The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brazilian representatives to organise the BRICS U17 tournament. The competition will provide an opportunity to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to assess the team’s preparation for the 2017 U-17 World Cup.
“The tournament will strengthen the relations between BRICS nations using football as a catalyst to create communities, encourage friendship and bring young people of different BRICS cultures even closer,” said Joao Gilberto Vaz, Project leader and Tournament Organiser at an ASSOCHAM event.
BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will be competing in the tournament a Barcelona youth team. The matches will be played at the Ambedkar Stadium, with Vaz calling the venue ideal for “these kind” of tournaments.
While addressing a meeting, Vaz said, “India has become an emerging football market with the creation of Indian Soccer league. “India is a key player in all segments within BRICS and a football event in India will also bring a new image of importance to football.”
The MoU was signed by the ASSOCHAM Secretary General ASSOCHAM, D S Rawat, and Vaz, in the presence of the Onkar Kedia, Joint Secretary at Sports Ministry.
Vaz further said, “The BRICS U-17 Football Cup will happen yearly and if possible in conjunction with BRICS Summit following the molds of FIFA U-17 tournaments.”
Johnson takes over U19’s
Englishman lee Johnson was appointed coach of of India U19 team on Tuesday.
lee comes to India with a repertoire of experience which is quite exceptional given his age (34). Prior to landing in India, lee was working as the Technical Director of Rwanda where he was also the Head Coach for the U-17 team.
Senior side coach Stephen Constantine feels lee’s presence will immensely boost “Player development in India” as Johnson would be head scout and assistant coach for the national team.
“lee brings a whole lot of valuable commodities with him. lee has been fortunate enough to work for two big clubs in England (Crystal Palace and Chelsea).”
