AIFF hosts first-ever D Certificate coaching course for deaf coaches

The course was led by AIFF lead coach educator, Shailesh Karkera, and supported by two Indian Sign Language interpreters from Slum Soccer.

Hyderabad: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) successfully concluded the first-ever D Certificate Coaching Course for deaf candidates at the Reliance Foundation Young Champs facilities in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, June 7, 2025.

The six-day programme was conducted under the aegis of the Western India Football Association (WIFA). Around 23 active football coaches, who are affiliated with the Indian NGO Slum Soccer, participated in the programme.

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The course was led by AIFF lead coach educator, Shailesh Karkera, and supported by two Indian Sign Language interpreters from Slum Soccer, ensuring that all participants had full accessibility, in the presence of AIFF’s head of coach education, Vivek Nagul.

The AIFF D Certificate was first introduced in 2012. The course is offered as an entry-level coaching qualification which is a part of the AIFF’s Coach Education Programme. Currently, it has nearly 16,000 registered coaches.

Designed for aspiring coaches, the course blends theory and practical sessions, focusing on children’s football, technical development and child safeguarding, along with the various aspects of the coaching process.