FIFA on Saturday launched its first talent academy for youngsters in India in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), aiming to provide elite training to talented footballers in the country. The international football federation signed an MoU with the AIFF and the Telangana government for the opening of the academy, which will “reinforce India’s commitment to inclusive and structured grassroots development” of football.

The academy will be located at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex here 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, a release issued by the AIFF said.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey termed the launch as a “defining moment” for the sport in India. “The launch of India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls and second academy for boys marks a defining moment in our 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,” said Chaubey, adding that the academy will help the country realise its dream of qualifying for the U17 men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups.

AIFF will lead the operations, technical framework, talent scouting across the country and training curriculum in coordination with FIFA, while the Sports Authority of Telangana will oversee infrastructure, logistics, education, and financial and welfare support of the players. The initiative is aligned with AIFF’s “Vision 2047”, aimed at building India as a leading footballing nation.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the academy will provide a channel to players to reach the national and international level. “This academy is 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 talent, especially girls, from Telangana and beyond will now have access to elite infrastructure, education and a clear pathway to the national and international stage,” said Reddy.