In a landmark move for Indian football, Hyderabad has become home to the country’s first FIFA Girls Academy. This historic launch sets the stage for a vibrant future in women’s football, promising professional training, holistic growth, and a clear path to international representation for India’s most promising young female players.
A Game Changing Initiative at Gachibowli
The new FIFA Girls Academy is situated at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex, a premier sports facility in Hyderabad. Here’s what sets this academy apart:
India’s First: It is the first dedicated FIFA-accredited girls’ football academy in the country.
Elite Talent Focus: The academy will develop 60 select players: 30 boys (U14) and 30 girls (U16), with a noteworthy inclusion of 10 players from Telangana in each category.
Comprehensive Training: The focus goes far beyond the pitch—offering residential, year-round high-performance coaching, education, medical care, nutrition, and mental wellness resources under one roof.
FIFA’s Global Talent Development Scheme (TDS): This project is part of FIFA’s ambition to “give every talent a chance,” and marks only a handful of such academies worldwide.
Who’s Behind This Milestone?
The launch is a collaborative effort between:
All India Football Federation (AIFF): Responsible for operations, technical curriculum, and national talent scouting.
Government of Telangana: Providing infrastructure, logistics, player welfare, and educational support through the Sports Authority of Telangana.
Vision and Support: Attended by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the project aligns with AIFF’s Vision 2047 and Telangana’s Sports Policy 2025, aiming to make Hyderabad a national sports hub.
What Does the Academy Offer India’s Young Players?
Holistic Player Development
The idea goes far beyond just learning football techniques:
Year-Round Residential Training: Elite coaching and advanced tactical programs tailored for adolescent girls and boys.
Education and Life Skills: Integrated quality education to ensure academic progress alongside sporting achievement.
Nutrition and Medical Care: Professional support for physical growth and injury prevention.
Mental Wellness: Programs designed to address the emotional and psychological needs of young athletes.
Clear Pathways: Standout performers will have greater access to national camps, international exposure, and a shot at representing India in future FIFA U-17 tournaments.
Key Benefits for Girls’ Football in India
Boosts Grassroots Participation: Inspires young girls, especially from Telangana and surrounding states, to pursue football seriously.
Professionalizes Women’s Football: Sets a benchmark for coaching standards and athlete welfare.
Builds Future Leaders: Empowers girls to realize their full potential and become role models for their communities.
Leaders Speak
“This academy is a game-changer. Young talents—especially girls—now have elite infrastructure, coaching, and a clear pathway to shine at national and international levels.”
— Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy
“A defining moment in India’s football journey. It’s a strong step towards equality and nurturing girls’ football dreams.”
— AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is India’s first FIFA Girls Academy located?
It is based at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex in Hyderabad, Telangana.
2. Who can join the academy, and how many players are selected?
The academy admits 30 girls (U16) and 30 boys (U14), with 10 players from Telangana in each category. Selection is through national and state scouting programs.
3. What kind of support do players receive?
Players benefit from world-class training, residential facilities, education, nutrition, medical care, and mental wellness support, all provided on campus.
4. How does this academy help Indian girls’ football?
It provides a direct platform for gifted girls to access structured, continuous development—bridging the gap between grassroots and elite football.
5. Is this the only FIFA-backed talent academy in India?
This is the first FIFA talent academy dedicated to girls, and only the second overall in India under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme.
Conclusion
The opening of India’s first FIFA Girls Academy in Hyderabad is a milestone for Indian sport. By blending world-class training with holistic personal development, the academy is poised to unleash the next generation of football stars. It stands as a beacon of opportunity, equality, and ambition—ensuring that talented girls from every part of the country have a real shot at the biggest stages in football.
