Southampton Football Club (SFC) has announced a strategic partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) in India to enhance football development in the country. As part of this collaboration, Saints will share their academy performance plan and conduct player development camps. Bhaichung Bhutia, renowned as one of India’s greatest footballers, has made a significant impact by continuously expanding football training opportunities throughout India. Bhutia was the first Indian footballer to play in England and captained the national team for over a decade. His football schools currently serve thousands of players, making it the largest football academy in India.
Tom Grevatt, Head of Football Programmes at Southampton, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
Grevatt said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools in India. They’ve already got a great reputation of football delivery across the country, and now together, we are looking to have a real impact on the wider football development scene in India. We are looking forward to working with them closely, and meeting some of their players and coaches later this week at the launch event at their home in New Delhi.”
Kishore Taid, Co-Founder and CEO of Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, highlighted the impact of BBFS on football education in India. Taid said, “Right from its inception, BBFS has been redefining the standard of football education in India. Through this partnership with SFC, we wish to further enhance the technical knowledge of our ecosystem and build a bridge for young footballers and coaches from India to the world.”
In the first phase of this partnership, the focus will be on the New Delhi region, with plans to expand to Mumbai, Bangalore, and eventually a broader national rollout. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for individuals to experience “The Southampton Way.”
