The Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) has decided set up the KSA-Ambitious Football Academy, which will be conducted in collaboration with former Indian striker Steven Dias along with Vijith Shetty and Santosh Koli, who both captained the Maharashtra team in the National Football Championship for the Santosh trophy.
On the occasion of ‘Children Day’ being celebrated throughout the country, the KSA President, Dr. P.V. Shetty and his Executive Managing Committee along with Steven Dias felt that this would be an opportune time to announce the launch of this new project, at a media conference on Tuesday.
Dias will be the head coach and with the assistance of his fellow players Vijith Shetty and Santosh Koli, who had represented Maharashtra and Air India with distinction will impart training and share their valuable knowledge to the trainees.
Speaking to media persons Steven mentioned, “I started my playing career at this KSA ground and the association given me all the support from the start. I am happy to be associated with KSA for this initiative,” said a modest Dias.
“Our first target is to scout for some good talent and help them to become good football players so that they can make a career. Even if we find that some players are not good enough, but have the potential we will try to keep them in the camp. We will work on their basics and then try to develop their skills,” he further said.
Dr. P.V. Shetty, President, Karnatak Sporting Association said: “We at KSA are a sports loving body. It’s always been our endeavour to provide our children of the city the opportunity to engage in sports, in particular cricket and football. KSA has organised many football tournaments in which leading Indian and State level players have participated. The KSA is also conducting tournament for women and veteran men.”
“We have in the past also organised many coaching programs and clinics for young children. Now with Indian football on the rise, we felt that it’s the correct time that we should do something from our side to help the sport grow further. That’s one of the key reasons to set up the KSA-Ambitious FA. The Academy which will have Steven Dias as the head coach and assisted by Vijith Shetty and Santosh Koli, both players of repute, I am confident the Academy will produce stars of the future,” Dr. Shetty mentioned.
A free workshop for boys in the age groups: U8, U12 & U15 will be conducted and their parents where they will be highlighted about what they can expect from the academy. Trainees will also be given basic trainings and educations about the basics of the game. The workshop will be held on December 2 and 3. After the workshop 20 kids from the three age groups would be selected for the Academy.