FC Madras’ Youth Academy has a new tech-enabled facility to foster talent.
What’s it about? The Youth Academy of FC Madras has launched a modern tech-enabled residential football facility for kids below 15. Located in Mahabalipuram, it’s spread over 23 acres with India’s second-only hybrid turf, a mix of natural grass and astroturf. Former India captain Abhishek Yadav is the club’s new CEO, and Venkatesh S will be joining from East Bengal as technical director.
- Apart from the hybrid turf, the facility has a strength and conditioning centre, a residential hostel, and an alternative learning centre.
- The club selected 50 kids from more than 2,400 from 19 locations across India. They’ll be given scholarships for the residential training programme at the new facility.
Who said what? FC Madras founder Girish Mathrubootham said the dream is to find the next Messi from Madras. He said the new facility is a step forward in nurturing sporting talent and should inspire other companies and leaders to create similar academies.
(Image credits: Chennai Updates’ Twitter post)