Young Indian footballers to learn Holland-style technique

Rob Baan, AIFF's technical director, felt adopting the Dutch style is the only way forward. "I am sure that once the AIFF academy kids learn the Dutch play and get their technique right, they can adapt to any style in the world," said Bann during the formal announcement of the AIFF's first regional academy which will be at Father Agnel School ground in Navi Mumbai.u00a0

AIFF president Praful Patel with Rob Bann (right) during the launch of their regional academy yesterday. Pic/Santosh Nagwekar

Bann noted: "Indian kids get rid of the ball quickly. We plan to teach the academy kids how to control the ball and then hit it, like how the kids do in Holland." AIFF president Praful Patel hoped the initiative's partners, Orange Sports Forum will help bring back the glory days of Indian football.

"The regional academy is just the first step. We look to have many more initiatives with the help of our Netherlands counterparts. This will ensure that our kids learn the sport in the right manner," said Patel. u00a0