Developing next-gen Indian footballers with Vipin Anto
Rounak Majumdar
3 min read
October 3, 2022
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If you are determined and confident and can find the right balance in life, there is nothing in existence that can stop you from achieving your goal
– Zinedine Zidane
Vipin Anto, known to his students as their beloved Anto sir, started training kids at 16. Thanks to his PE teacher at school.
As a young boy, Anto was active in playing sports. He was also a part of his school’s Volleyball team. He played multiple games, but football became his favorite.
“I was always fascinated by football. When most games are played using hands, football restricted it. And that difference intrigued me,” recalled Anto.
Anto’s first exposure to football happened during the 1990 World Cup. Watching Diego Maradona weave his magic, little Anto wanted to start playing more frequently.
The 1998 World Cup was when Anto started to analyze football rather than merely watching. Zinedine Zidane’s technical and tactical abilities mesmerized Anto. He realized football is about understanding when, where, and how to use the skills one has mastered.
“When I was in XIth grade, my PE teacher – Mrs. Bindu, asked me to train the school team. That was my first experience in coaching. Those were the initial days of managing a team and falling in love with the process,” said Anto.
After completing his schooling, Anto pursued engineering at Cochin University. Anto played for his college and university teams.
From handling computers to footballers
After passing out of college, alongside his work in the IT sector, coach Anto found time for his passion and started training reputed university teams.
“Watching my players improve and become better versions of themselves gave me immense pleasure and motivation,” said coach Anto.
Vipin left his corporate job and joined Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) in 2019 as an assistant coach in Kochi. He stayed there for a year and then moved to BBFS Residential Academy at Vedas International School in Delhi.
Currently, Anto is the Head Coach of BBFS Residential Academy at Peevees Public School, Kerala.
“When BBFS came along, I had already heard about the BBFS way of football and philosophy. I was very particular about the way my players trained and played the game,” said he.
A man loved by all
Anto is loved and respected by his players and their parents alike. It is not just because of his experience and expertise, but it is the way he interacts with the students.
“For me, players are first human beings. I believe they have to learn to be a better person before they learn to be a footballer. And I try to make sure my boys know their responsibilities alongside learning and excelling in football,” says he.
Coach Anto is a firm believer in developing players holistically. He gives emphasis on developing a players’ mentality and social awareness alongside football development.
“We try to teach life values. It is different for each child. When we consider a new kid, we try to understand how we can make him feel at home. Multiple factors can make or break the experience. Whatever the child is good at, we will make him do it more. If the child is lacking somewhere, we allot time and work on improving him,” said Vipin.
A bright future for aspiring players
As for coach Anto, he aspires to manage a professional team in the future. Along with coaching, he keeps on educating young coaches.
“If we have to close the gap with the so-called giants of the game it is necessary for us as a nation to educate and train good homegrown coaches and players. Without good coaches, we cannot produce good players,” said he.
Speaking about the largest trials that BBFS is conducting in 100+ Indian cities, coach Anto emphasized finding the right talent.
“We need to keep on finding talented players from the trials. My priority is to get the right individuals. I am looking at players who have the sense of ownership, and are willing to learn. Players who have certain technical abilities will be an add-on,” concluded Anto.
Under his guidance, many players have gone on to play in reputed junior-level tournaments. Vipin will be traveling as one of the scouts in the southern regions to find the best players from BBFS trials.
Read more about BBFS Residential Academy
Be part of India’s largest football trials – #100Trials100CitiesUnlimitedDreams. Download enJogo from Android or iOS, and register now.
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#55 Enjogo set to organize football trials in 100+ Indian cities
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