A group of promising young footballers from Bengaluru has concluded a week-long intensive training programme at Tottenham Hotspur, marking a significant milestone in the Club’s ongoing partnership with Kickstart FC. The initiative underscores British club's commitment to nurturing talent and supporting football development in India.
The collaboration, forged during a visit by Club legends Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles to Bengaluru in November 2023, aims to bolster the capabilities of local coaches and players. This week’s programme in London offered Kickstart players bespoke technical training sessions led by Tottenham’s Global Football Development coaches, complemented by essential health and nutrition workshops. The aspiring athletes also tested their skills in matches against local UK grassroots teams and benefited from an exclusive coaching masterclass delivered by Ledley King himself.
King expressed his admiration for the Indian players' passion, stating, "You could see how passionate this group were about football and their development. There are some very good players, so it’s just about reinforcing the small details that make a big difference.” He believes the world class facilities and coaching will elevate their game.
Among the participants was Vivek, a 16-year-old talent whose dedication through the programme in India has now earned him a series of college football trials in the USA. Vivek shared his excitement, saying, "When I heard Tottenham Hotspur were our partners, I was literally jumping up and down on my bed!" He added that training at the amazing facilities had profoundly motivated him. Laxman Bhattarai, CEO of Kickstart FC, highlighted Vivek’s increased maturity this year and praised the partnership’s role in bringing Indian football to another level. Danny Mitchell, Head of Global Coaching for Tottenham Hotspur, reiterated the Club’s pride in Vivek's progress as an example of the programme's impact. The partnership also extends to supporting the women's game, with Kickstart FC’s Women’s team recently finishing as runners-up in the Indian Women’s League. Tottenham’s Global Football Development team annually impacts around 45,000 players and coaches worldwide.
