Football Delhi Signs Cooperation with Europe-India Sports Cluster to Create Frameworks for the Development of Game

• Football Delhi becomes a member of the EBTC Europe-India Sports Cluster, managed by EBTC
•  Both organisations will work together to design and develop frameworks leading to competition, grassroots, player, and infrastructure development
• The Cluster will support Football Delhi with extended cooperation and best practices from Europe

Khel Today Bureau

New Delhi: Football Delhi has announced its cooperation with the Europe-India Sports Cluster, managed by European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC).

As a member of the Cluster, both organisations will collaborate to work towards Football Delhi’s vision of making the Capital a model-state for football in India.

The Cluster will support Football Delhi to identify, adapt and introduce best practices from Europe. This will aid in the creation of a holistic framework for the development of the game, promote community inclusivity and increase the reach and popularity of football in Delhi.

The cooperation will help the State Association with frameworks to develop its league and competitive structure. It will enable the development of a transparent ecosystem through a multi-stakeholder approach involving clubs, coaches, facility owners, cluster members and external experts to improve governance, competition quality and develop talent.

We are excited to collaborate with EBTC and I am confident this collaboration would help us in redefining strategy and framework for the further growth of football in the Capital City. It is important for the Associations like us to collaborate with the global experience and expertise for creating an encouraging pathway for the development of football involving local community and working in unison with the key stakeholders of the game.- Shaji Prabhakaran, President, Football Delhi

The framework will also focus on identifying avenues to increase community engagement and create models for accessible football. This will lead to the creation of a robust grassroots structure leading to a comprehensive player development pathway for children in Delhi.

Speaking on the partnership, Shaji Prabhakaran, President, Football Delhi mentioned, “We are excited to collaborate with EBTC and I am confident this collaboration would help us in redefining strategy and framework for the further growth of football in the Capital City. It is important for the Associations like us to collaborate with the global experience and expertise for creating an encouraging pathway for the development of football involving local community and working in unison with the key stakeholders of the game.”

As part of the collaboration, Football Delhi will also become a member of EBTC’s Europe-India Sports Cluster. The Cluster will provide Football Delhi access to its body of knowledge, network and best practices from Europe.

Vincent van Noord, Director, Europe at EBTC also reflected on the importance of inclusive and accessible sports to create a healthier and more livable Capital. He mentioned, “Netherlands, with population slightly lesser than Delhi state, has over 3000 amateur Clubs with a well-established youth system and increasing participation from women. With Football Delhi, we have a shared vision to drive innovation and create an inclusive ecosystem to develop and promote the game with best practices from Europe and the combined strength of our Cluster members.”

The announcement holds special significance for the recently re-elected leadership of the Association as they look to further evolve and cement their vision for football governance. Football Delhi is gearing up for its new season with the State’s expanded Premier League starting on 15th July.

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