Ever wondered what it takes to create a football curriculum that fits every player’s needs? In an episode of Sporting Spree by Enjogo, host Shruti Sapra engages in an enlightening conversation with Divya Kurian, Head of People Operations & Residential Academy Business at BBFS, exploring the inner workings of the football training program at the BBFS Residential Academy.
Divya kicks off by recounting the academy’s humble beginnings, starting with a coaches’ training program 13 years ago. “We began with training 13 coaches, some of whom are still with us today,” she reminisces. These foundational coaches were pivotal in crafting the curriculum for both our non-residential and residential programs.” Since those early days, the curriculum has evolved continuously. Every new coach undergoes extensive education to ensure they’re well-versed in the program’s methodologies. The training sessions are designed to replicate real match scenarios, preparing players for the challenges they’ll face on the field.
BBFS’s commitment to excellence shines through in its coaching qualifications. The academy boasts a highly skilled coaching staff, holding FIFA licenses from A to C levels. At the residential academy, every coach must have at least a B license, while the technical leads typically possess A licenses. This top-notch expertise guarantees premier training for young athletes, paving the way for their future success.
Tournaments are the heartbeat of player development at BBFS, offering crucial opportunities for growth and exposure. “One of the perks of our program is that our players can compete in school-level, academy-level, and club-level tournaments,” Divya points out. BBFS players dive into a diverse array of competitions, from school-level contests like the SGFI and Subroto Cup to prestigious events like the AIFF Youth League. Connections with top clubs enrich the competitive scene, giving players plenty of chances to flaunt their skills. With affiliations to three clubs—two in the super division and one in the B division—BBFS ensures a steady stream of competitive play throughout the year, keeping the players sharp and game-ready.
BBFS’s elite three-star rating from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is a major milestone. “This rating lets us field five teams across different age categories—13, 15, 17, 19, and 21—in the AIFF Youth League from our three regions: Delhi, the South (Snipers), and the West (Brothers FC),” Divya explains. This achievement amplifies competitive opportunities for our players. The prestigious accreditation not only affirms the academy’s high standards but also paves the way for young athletes to compete at higher levels, broadening their horizons and boosting their prospects.
At BBFS, a data-driven approach is the secret sauce for tracking and boosting player progress. “We assess players based on technical, tactical, physical, social, and emotional criteria,” Divya reveals. The Enjogo app, available to both coaches and parents, is a game-changer in this process. Coaches rate each player daily, and every quarter, a detailed report maps out each player’s development since joining the academy. “Competitions are like academic exams—they let us know if our training is effective and if players are truly advancing,” Divya elaborates. By meticulously tracking performance in various tournaments, BBFS ensures every player gets the attention and support they need to thrive.
The conversation sheds light on BBFS Residential Academy’s dynamic and innovative approach to nurturing young football talent. Divya and Shruti share their enthusiasm for the academy’s top-tier training programs, expert coaching staff, and a schedule brimming with competitive opportunities. With a robust curriculum, seasoned coaches, diverse tournaments, and meticulous player progress tracking, BBFS Residential Academy is the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of football stars.
Sporting Spree by Enjogo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoFh-e1KwH0&t=163s
Read more about BBFS Residential Academy
#95: From Underdogs to National Contenders: The Rise of Snipers FC
#94: Mental Health Matters: How BBFS is Changing the Game for Young Footballers
#93: Carlos Pao’s Journey to The Big Leagues
#92: Dressed For Success: Decoding the Influence of Colours in Sports
