Who says you can’t mix fun with ambition? At 16, Advaith Jay is proof that a casual kickabout can evolve into a serious love affair with football. His journey is a thrilling blend of sweat, skill,
Who says you can’t mix fun with ambition? At 16, Advaith Jay is proof that a casual kickabout can evolve into a serious love affair with football. His journey is a thrilling blend of sweat, skill, and support. Speaking with the young athlete reveals not just a love for the game but also the positive impact it has on his life, with the help of the coaching he found at the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS).
Advaith’s journey into football began serendipitously. BBFS started conducting after-school sessions at his school in Kodatti, and what initially started as a fun activity soon grew into a significant part of his life. “Little did I know that I would end up playing at a higher level,” he recalls with a smile. Born in Kerala but raised in Bangalore, Advaith’s love for the game was nurtured in this city.
This young player’s growth as a footballer is a testament to his dedication and the structured training provided by BBFS. Starting football in 2016, Advaith confesses that his skills were initially quite basic. “The first two years, I was pretty bad,” he says candidly. It was around 2018 2019 that he began to see significant improvements in his abilities, particularly after the intense period of online training during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I didn’t miss a single online session,” he proudly states, attributing this commitment to his noticeable improvement on the field.
The skills that have seen the most improvement, according to Advaith, include his ball control and physicality. “I used to be on the chubbier side, but now I’ve grown much leaner and more muscular,” he notes, a change that has positively impacted his performance on the field.
Reflecting on his journey, Advaith shares one of his most memorable moments. “We went to Delhi to play a tournament and reached the finals,” he says. Facing off against the Nadia Blanche branch of BBFS, the match went into penalties, culminating in a hard-fought victory. “It was a very emotional moment,” he recalls, especially after experiencing a trophy drought before this win.
Discussing his favorite on-field moments, Advaith gushes about his experience in December 2023, when he and his team fought their way through the AIFF Youth League, making it to an impressive top 16 finish. The group stage saw them go head-to-head with powerhouse Kerala teams like Muthoot and Kerala Blasters. Then, in late April, just as everyone was settling into a break, news came in—they were selected for the national round! While Advaith had planned a vacation, fate had other plans. Missing the qualification matches was tough, but he made the bold decision to cut his vacation short, rejoining his team just in time for the round of 16. They faced off against fierce opponents like BFC, Zinc, and Football4Change, adding yet another exciting chapter to Advaith’s growing football journey.
He shares how it’s these early experiences that fueled his love for the game and pushed him to commit. It’s from this point forward, that Advaith decided to turn what was once a hobby into a pursuit of excellence.
Advaith confesses that football serves as his escape from the challenges of everyday life. “I feel more free while playing football,” he explains. The game allows him to express himself creatively and connect with his teammates, even when language barriers or new team dynamics present challenges. Yet, like many young athletes, Advaith has his own internal struggles. “I suffer from a little bit of social anxiety,” he admits. On the field, however, he finds a sense of freedom and relief that helps him navigate social interactions more comfortably.
A typical day for Advaith is structured around his training. His mornings start early, often around 4 a.m., with training sessions commencing at 5:30 a.m. This discipline has instilled in him a strong sense of routine and a commitment to maintaining physical fitness. Advaith credits much of his success to the support of his parents. “I wouldn’t have been here without my dad and mom,” he acknowledges. His father, in particular, has been a constant presence, waking up early to take him to training sessions and waiting until they are over.
As a family, Adavith’s parents take pride in his journey, treating each game as a learning experience. “Every game is a learning, every win a celebration. But he knows he must improve from one game to the next.”
Nutrition plays a vital role in Advaith’s training regimen. He shares how his mother carefully curates his meals, ensuring he has a balanced diet that keeps things interesting while delivering all the necessary nutrients. Her efforts not only help reduce his intake of sugary foods but also play a key part in maintaining his athletic form.
Advaith’s passion for football is undeniable, and his father has been an important part of his journey. Here’s what he has to say about his son:
“Advaith is an ardent learner, committed to the game, and someone who feels left out when he can’t play due to injury. Despite football’s demands, he’s managed to balance academics well.” He spoke about how his professional training began with BBFS in Bengaluru, where, “BBFS and their dedicated coaches helped ignite Advaith’s passion and skill development. Also, early morning sessions set the tone for his day. Football has taught him leadership, communication, self-management, and kept him grounded through wins and losses.”
For other parents, Mr Jay Kumar’s advice is straightforward: “Dedication and perseverance, coupled with proper nutrition, will take your kid a long way.” He believes that staying committed is key to progress in footbal. To Advaith, his message is just as meaningful: “Enjoy your game, give it your 100%, and always work on improving from one game to the next.”
While Advait’s journey has been largely positive, he acknowledges the challenges within the Indian football system. He feels the need for more residential football academies in India, alongside better coaching and more tournaments for young players.He believes that by investing in these areas, India can produce more top-tier players who can compete on the global stage.
Advaith also stresses the importance of changing the mindset around sports in India. “Football is not just a game; it can be a career. People need to start believing that,” he says. He hopes that his success story, along with others like him, will help change perceptions and encourage more young people to take up the sport seriously.
Advait’s journey has given him wisdom beyond his years, and he has a heartfelt message for aspiring footballers. “Stay dedicated. I think discipline is key!” he advises. He believes that perseverance is key, especially in a country where football is not yet the primary sport. “You have to keep showing up, even when you feel like you’re not good enough.” he adds.
When asked about his reaction to the Southampton and BBFS merger, Advaith couldn’t hide his excitement. “I think BBFS partnering with Southampton FC is easily one of the biggest milestones they’ve achieved yet,” he shares enthusiastically. “Already being a great academy, this partnership with a club from one of the best leagues in the world will open so many doors for Indian players. The exposure will be absolutely worth it.”
Advaith’s passion for the game shines through as he adds, “I’m also looking forward to seeing different coaching methods, play styles, and even the chance for trials abroad. This will benefit not just us players but the coaches as well, and hopefully bring a change to Indian football on a larger scale.”
As our star in the making continues to develop his skills and grow as a footballer, he looks forward to more victories on the field and the joy that the game brings to his life. “I want to represent india at an international level. My dream is to play professionally and show people that football is a viable career in India,” he says.
If anything, Advaith’s journey shows how the right amount of parental support, ample of discipline, and the structured environment found at one of the best residential football academies in India, such as BBFS, can transform a budding interest in football into a serious pursuit. As he continues to grow, both as a player and an individual, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come—whether it’s on the field or in the hearts of those who cheer him on.
Read more about BBFS Residential Academy
