Telangana to Launch India’s First FIFA-AIFF Women’s Football Academy in Hyderabad

FIFA-AIFF Women’s Football Academy: Telangana has taken a major step in Indian football history. The state government is set to launch the FIFA-AIFF Women's Football Academy at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex in Hyderabad. Significantly, this will be India's first and the world's second dedicated women's football academy—the first was established in Hong Kong.

The Revanth Reddy government hopes this initiative will establish Telangana as a new hub for women's football not only in the country but also internationally. This announcement is part of a larger sports collaboration planned at the Telangana Rising Global Summit, to be held in India Future City on December 8-9.

FIFA-AIFF Women's Football Academy

This new academy is the result of a joint partnership between FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and the AIFF (All India Football Federation). This facility will be the first dedicated women's football academy of its kind in India—the second in the world, after Hong Kong.

The initiative aims to establish Telangana as a hub for high-performance women's football development. The AIFF and the Telangana government signed an MoU for this project in August 2024, and the project is now set to commence.

FIFA's Global Vision and a Unique Strategy for India

This FIFA initiative is part of its Talent Development Scheme (TDS), designed to promote promising footballers worldwide to the elite level. A structured development model for women at this level has never been implemented in India before.

This academy will build on the success of the FIFA Prestige Academy for Girls already operating in Hyderabad and transform it into a larger national model.

The focus will be on world-class training and holistic development

The new academy will offer a one-year residential program for players, with FIFA and the AIFF jointly developing:

• A global-standard training curriculum
• Technical and strategic football skills
• Elite scouting system
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Medical and fitness support
• Nutrition and psychological wellness

The AIFF has begun recruiting specialized staff, such as education coordinators, medical support, and technical coaches, to further enhance this model. This will ensure players can thrive not only on the field but in every aspect of their lives.

A decision strengthens the AIFF Vision 2047

The AIFF's Vision 2047 clearly states its commitment to making India a leading footballing nation at both the men's and women's levels. Creating a dedicated academy to provide high-level training to women players is a key component of this vision. The country's goals are:

• FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup
• FIFA U-17 Men's World Cup

Regularly qualifying for both and fielding competitive teams

A new football academy for men's players is also being prepared

The Telangana government is focusing not only on women's football but also on men's football development. The Telangana FIFA-AIFF Men's Football Academy will also be announced during the summit.

The first center will open in Bhubaneswar in November 2023, making Telangana its second national center.

Hyderabad: A new hub for international sports

Along with football, the Hyderabad International Chess Festival may also be announced at the Telangana Rising Global Summit. This will further strengthen Hyderabad's position as a global sports destination. The increase in chess, football, and other sports events will:

• Increase the attraction of foreign players
• Provide a platform for local talent
• Increase infrastructure and investment
• The state's sports policy is expected to take a new direction.
• This move by Telangana is historic for Indian women's football.

The establishment of the FIFA-AIFF Women's Football Academy in Gachibowli is a milestone in Indian football history.

It opens up a new future not only for the state but for women players across the country. This initiative by Telangana will play a crucial role in establishing India's place on the global football map.

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