India’s first FIFA Talent Academy in Hyderabad

India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls was launched in Hyderabad, offering elite training under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme. The academy will support 60 players, including 10 from Telangana, for global exposure

Hyderabad: India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls was launched in Hyderabad after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Government of Telangana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here at the first Telangana Sports Conclave at the HICC on Saturday.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy was present to grace the occasion, along with AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Principal Secretary of I\&C and IT, Government of Telangana, Jayesh Ranjan, in the presence of eminent dignitaries, sports leaders, and policymakers.

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The Chief Minister said that the academy would be a game-changer for girls in football. “It is not only the first of its kind in India but also one of the very few globally under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme. Young talents — especially girls — from Telangana and beyond will now have access to elite infrastructure, education, and a clear pathway to the national and international stage,” he said.

The initiative is a key component of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and will provide elite training to talented footballers who have been scouted from various parts of the country, reinforcing India’s commitment to inclusive and structured grassroots development.

The academy will be located at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex in Hyderabad and will offer year-round high-performance training, with residential facilities, education, medical care, nutrition, and mental wellness to 60 elite players – 30 boys (U14) and 30 girls (U16), including 10 players from Telangana in each category.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said the launch of India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls and the second academy for boys marked a defining moment in the journey towards equitable football development.

“This collaboration with the Government of Telangana, under FIFA’s global Talent Development Scheme, reflects our collective resolve to identify, nurture, and empower young talent — especially girls — from across the nation. This academy will not only groom elite athletes but also inspire a generation of footballers who can dream of representing India at the highest levels. It is a proud day for Indian football and a strong step forward toward our goal of qualifying for the U17 men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups,” he said.