Hyderabad to host Spain-backed grassroots football development initiative

A grassroots football development initiative backed by Sports Village Europa and Silver Stone Sports Academy will be launched in Hyderabad. The programme will introduce European coaching methods, identify young talent and feature a proposed visit by Spanish youth footballer Arturo Garcia Perez.

Hyderabad: A significant grassroots football development initiative is set to be launched in Hyderabad through a strategic partnership between Sports Village Europa, Barcelona (Spain), and Silver Stone Sports Academy, Hyderabad.

The collaboration aims to identify, nurture and develop young Indian football talent by introducing European coaching methodologies and internationally recognised youth development programmes, creating new pathways for aspiring footballers to achieve international standards.

---

The initiative is being coordinated by Mohammad Shamsuddin, Multisports Promoter for Sports Village Hyderabad, in collaboration with Joaquin Beana Martinez, Director of Sports Village Europa.

As part of the programme, they are expected to visit Hyderabad in the first week of December 2026 to conduct school football seminars, coaching clinics, practical field sessions, position-specific training, interactive workshops and grassroots talent identification camps. Following the successful implementation of the Hyderabad project, the initiative is planned to expand to other cities across India, promoting structured youth football development on a larger scale.

A major highlight of the programme will be the proposed visit of Arturo Garcia Perez, one of Spain’s most promising teenage footballers.

Arturo joined RCD Espanyol in 2019 in the Pre-Benjamín category and has captained the club’s youth teams for six consecutive years. During his remarkable youth career, he has won 27 titles, including league championships, prestigious tournaments and Catalan Championships. He has also represented the Catalan National Team in the Spanish National Championship, establishing himself as one of Spain’s brightest young football talents and a role model for aspiring players.

Supporting Arturo’s football journey is DANI, the principal sponsor of Arturo Garcia Perez and his team.

During his proposed visit, Arturo is expected to participate in coaching sessions, football clinics, motivational interactions with students and grassroots development activities. His presence will provide young Indian footballers with first-hand exposure to Spain’s renowned youth football development system and inspire them to pursue excellence through discipline, dedication and professional training.