BDFA Super Division League 2020-21 champions FC Bengaluru United have appointed C. John Kenneth Raj as Technical Head of the United Pro School & Academy. With 19 years of expertise in soccer teaching, Kenneth Raj is amongst India’s most certified Youth Coaches.
Kenneth Raj holds the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) ‘A’ License, has accomplished the FIFA Youth Coaching course, as nicely as course in Physical Education from the University of Cambridge. He was the Assistant Coach for the India U-16 and U-15 groups between 2012-2014. Under his tenure, the U-16 National workforce emerged victorious in the 2nd SAFF U-16 Championship 2013 in Nepal. He was additionally an Assistant Coach for the U-16 National Team throughout the AFC Qualifying rounds, held in Kuwait.
He has coached the U-16 U Dream Football Academy, which was affiliated to Bundesliga membership TSG Hoffenheim. Before shifting to Germany, Kenneth Raj, who’s an AIFF C License Coaching Instructor, additionally scouted for the AIFF throughout varied age teams.
Commenting on his appointment as Technical Head of the United Pro School & Academy, Kenneth Raj mentioned he’s enthusiastic about the “new challenge”. “FC Bengaluru United are committed to growing football from the grassroots level and this really resonates with me. The club ideology and philosophy, as well as their long-term plan reflect a deep understanding of what it takes to grow the sport at every level. Equal emphasis is given to the Academy and First teams. I am really looking forward to this journey.”
In his new position, Kenneth Raj mentioned his focus can be on “discovering and highlighting local talent and ensuring they receive structured coaching” so as to outline a correct development growth pathway. He can be eager to ascertain a “formal coaching education system for our coaches to help them take their experience and skill to the next level”. In phrases of Academy growth plans, Kenneth Raj mentioned the objective can be to increase to different cities in Karnataka earlier than taking a look at a pan-India footprint.
Commenting on the new appointment, Gaurav Manchanda, founder, Nimida Sports, who personal FC Bengaluru United, mentioned, “We are delighted to welcome John Kenneth Raj to the Bengaluru United family. He brings with him a wealth of experience, a keen eye for talent and a nuanced expertise in grassroots coaching. At Bengaluru United, it is our goal to contribute towards the development of the overall game of football and we are confident that with John as part of our team, we have further strengthened our commitment to creating a truly holistic player development system.”
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