Arguably the world’s most popular sport, football still plays second fiddle in India. Cricket remains the dominant sport, the go-to pastime for most Indians, yet football has a rich history here. India’s first football club is said to have been established as far back as 1872, and one of the world’s oldest football competitions, the Durand Cup, began in 1888—ten years before Italy’s premier league, Serie A.
Despite its early history, India has yet to see a player play for clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, or Bayern Munich. However, the rise of the Indian Super League (ISL) has brought a much-needed structure to Indian football.
Football as a career in India
With esteemed players like Roberto Carlos, Robert Pires, Diego Forlan, Alessandro Del Piero, Nicolas Anelka, and Dimitar Berbatov joining the league, sponsorship and money followed. The monetary rewards have become a major factor in young athletes choosing football as a career. In fact, some players, like Sunil Chhetri, earn crores from ISL salaries alone. So, there’s no shortage of money in the league.
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However, the journey of an Indian footballer—from grassroots to the ISL—is one of perseverance, passion, and overcoming numerous challenges. Here, we explore this journey and how an aspiring Indian footballer can make his way to the ISL, provided he has the talent and is ready to put in the effort.
Grassroots – Inculcating Sports Habits
The grassroots level is where the journey begins for most footballers, and at its heart is the school system. Unlike Europe, where education systems are more flexible, most Indian schools are heavily focused on academics. For an aspiring Indian footballer, it’s crucial to find a school with a strong sports program. These schools participate in inter-school tournaments, including football. Enrolling a child in a school with a strong sports structure can help introduce them to football at a very young age.
Developmental Leagues – Next Phase in Journey Of An Indian Footballer
Several organizations, including the All India Football Federation (AIFF), local state football associations, and private academies, run grassroots programs aimed at nurturing young talent. Initiatives like the AIFF Youth Development Programme, Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, and Tata Steel Foundation‘s Youth Football Leagues provide youngsters with the resources, facilities, and exposure they need to grow as footballers. These youth leagues are perfect opportunities for young footballers to play in age-group competitions, such as the Subroto Cup (for school teams), AIFF U-13, U-15, and U-18 Championships, and state-level tournaments.
I League 2 & State Leagues – First Step To Professional Football
The I-League 2nd Division and State Leagues form the backbone of the Indian football system; this is where players take their first steps toward professional football in India. The I-League 2nd Division acts as a promotion league for clubs aiming to play in the I-League, the second tier of Indian football. It’s an essential stage for players looking to become professional footballers.
In addition, state football associations organize regional leagues. For example, the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) runs a two-tier league in Delhi. Other renowned state leagues include the Goa Professional League, the West Bengal State Football League, and the Karnataka State Football League. These leagues provide valuable opportunities for local talent to develop and get scouted by higher-tier clubs.
Most clubs in the I-League 2nd Division and State Leagues also offer professional contracts, which can be the first professional deal for young Indian players.
I-League: India’s 2nd Tier
Before the emergence of the Indian Super League, the I-League was the top-tier professional football competition in India, and it remains a crucial part of the country’s football landscape. Established in 2007, it was the first national league to create a professional structure for clubs across India. The I-League features clubs from various regions and is still considered the most competitive league in terms of footballing culture and history in India.
For young Indian footballers, their journey from grassroots to the ISL often goes through the I-League. This is where things get serious—where average players are filtered out, and talented ones start drawing attention from ISL teams.
Indian Super League (ISL): India’s Premier Football League
The Indian Super League (ISL), launched in 2014, is India’s top-tier football league. With esteemed players featuring in this league, it has become a commercially successful football competition.
The ISL attracts international football stars, coaches, and significant investment, which has helped elevate the quality of football in India. For aspiring Indian footballers, playing in the ISL is the ultimate dream. Good players earn a solid income, while generational talents like Sunil Chhetri can earn crores. From here, the sky’s the limit for Indian footballers. Who knows, one day we might see a footballer catching the attention of European clubs due to his performances in the ISL.
Conclusion
The steps mentioned above are just a reference—there’s no hard and fast rule for a young kid to become a professional footballer in India. ISL clubs also run their own academies and take in young talent. If a player is good enough, they can secure a professional contract with an ISL club and get a chance to play in the league, without needing to go through the lower-tier leagues. Ultimately, it’s all about talent and the player’s intent.
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