The first episode of Soccer Pill: New Soccer Talk Show

So yesterday we finally did what we have been threatening to do for weeks.

We recorded our fist video cast, using the Google Hangouts on the Air. The topic of discussion was the new era in EPL where the top three teams will have new managers.

So the point is Moyes, Mourinho and Pellegrini are new to their postions. The former two not new to EPL.
And there is an old professor still in command at Arsenal.

The show focuses on the initial search for Strikers for Chelsea and Arsenal and why it assumes importance in the context of the league.

To view the videocast please check below, sit back and enjoy..

Government approves AIFF's bid to host the Under 17 world cup in 2017

Good news for soccer fans in India. The central government finally approved the All India Football Federation's  (AIFF) bid to host the Under 17 world cup. 

The earlier bid submitted by AIFF was rejected by Federation Internationale de Football Association  (FIFA) as it was not backed by the government guarantee.  This is ideally a case where the tournament organizers would need to show the proof of funds in order to run the tournament smoothly. Though the tournament itself would be funded by FIFA and the AIFF, the host football body has to ensure that the infrastructure would be world class as per the international standards. The money for the tournament would be raised through sponsorship.

The government has given assurance to a sum of Rs 95 crores to ramp up the infrastructure and a floater of Rs 25 crores for contingencies. 

What was significant about India's bid is that it is being supported by the FIFA president Jerome Valcke. 

Till now uncertainty loomed large over India's bid as FIFA, world football's governing body, needed guarantees on tax exemption, security, transport and accommodation of players, visa and foreign exchange. 

The AIFF has proposed holding of matches in five states -- Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka and one among the states of Assam, Goa and Kerala. 

Now that brings me to an interesting question, the centers for soccer in India are West Bengal, Goa, Kerala and North East. Surprisingly only two of these areas will be actually hosting the matches. Delhi is not even popular as a soccer venue. But looks like the Government was motivated by the availability of infrastructure to host such an event. In that list Delhi would have come out on tops.

But I still feel hosting the tournament in the Mecca states could be a trigger to build infrastructure and develop the game to ensure India takes its rightful place as a soccer power house.

In conclusion though we have entered a successful bid India still has to beat countries like South Africa, Ireland and Uzbekistan to win the right to host. Will we win that only time shall tell, until then there is only hope.

India and soccer, you must be kidding

Anytime the discussion turns to Indian soccer, most people roll up their eyes and look at me with utter disbelief. After all India is a cricket superpower and apart from Bengal, Kerala, North -East and Goa no other state even remotely plays the sport.

Currently India ranks 147 in the official FIFA (International football association) rankings. But things were much better in the past. India has two Asian gold medals in Soccer and also a Silver at the Asian Championship. The highest point India has ever reached was the 1950 Soccer world cup in Brazil, for which India qualified but did not participate due to costs, training, Lack of football boots (We played barefoot till then) and to focus on the Olympics.

Since 1970's, the situation for the Indian soccer team has done very poorly, probably leading to the rise of cricket post the 1983 triumph from Kapil's Devils.

So what does the future hold for Indian soccer. In my opinion, India would become the next super power of soccer. Some evidence of that growth are already here to see.

1) Cricket has become saturated and corrupt. The recent scam in IPL not with standing, India has a overdose of cricket. Also there are certain conditions where soccer can be played but not cricket. The monsoons are a good example.

2) Many soccer clubs have started summer schools and soccer schools in the country. Manchester United, Chelsea and Boca Juniors are just three of the many who are now eyeing India as a destinations.

3) Nutrition levels in India's youth have improved. There are many instances of that visible in the youngsters coming into the Indian cricket team.

So in conclusion, this blog will focus on the Indian soccer scene. Local clubs, corporate competitions and regional competitions. So if you do have a local club or a competition, we would like to know so please do contact us and become contributors to the Indian soccer story.