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SAFA launches residential academy in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Shabbir Ali Football Academy (SAFA) launched its residential academy to mark the first anniversary of the academy at MB Sports Arena, SAFA grounds, Hyderabad on Monday. The objective of the residential academy is to provide a comfortable and controlled environment wherein the trainees can focus on developing their game under expert guidance. Dr Andrew […]

By Telangana Today

Published Date - 21 February 2022, 07:03 PM

SAFA launches residential academy in Hyderabad — Shabbir Ali presenting the jersey to Dr Andrew Fleming , British Deputy High Commissioner, at the SAFC anniversary celebrations.

Hyderabad: Shabbir Ali Football Academy (SAFA) launched its residential academy to mark the first anniversary of the academy at MB Sports Arena, SAFA grounds, Hyderabad on Monday.

The objective of the residential academy is to provide a comfortable and controlled environment wherein the trainees can focus on developing their game under expert guidance. Dr Andrew Fleming , British Deputy High Commissioner, Shabbir Ali, Dhyan Chand awardee and former international footballer and C Shameel, Head Coach of Hyderabad FC were part of the first year anniversary celebrations. Andrew Fleming lauded the efforts made by SAFA towards the development of game and talent scouting from grassroots level.

Shabbir Ali said that they were providing free coaching and training for the under-privileged children as they promised during the launch of the academy. He expressed his happiness for the achievements and improvement of the players in the academy.

“Whatever I am is because of football. So I am trying to give an impetus to the sport. I am happy with the improvement of our trainees and their achievements so far. We are training young boys and hoping that some of them will play for the state and perhaps country also. Moreover we are giving free coaching to underprivileged children as we had announced during the inauguration,” said Shabbir Ali.

Shabbir Ali revealed that they are planning to register with the Telangana Football Association (TFA) and the AIFF to get eligibility for the I league.

Later, two exhibition matches were played between Under-18 and Under-14 players of SAFA and Little Star Football Academy separately. The teams were awarded with medals, jerseys and kits.

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