In a landmark move to revolutionize grassroots sports, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced plans to establish football schools across rural India. As part of its Vision 2047 roadmap, the AIFF aims to engage over 25 million school children and register 1 million footballers by 2026. Initiatives such as the Football4Schools program (in partnership with FIFA and UNESCO) and the Blue Cubs programme are at the heart of this mission, blending sports training with life skills education.

The initiative is being rolled out through government schools, rural academies, and newly formed district training centers. Pilot projects have already launched in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, where local governments and former footballers are working together to empower young boys and girls through football.

These schools not only nurture talent but also promote inclusivity, with a focus on female participation, disabled-friendly coaching, and community engagement. With ambitious goals, including 20,000 active football clubs and a female-focused football infrastructure by 2037, AIFF’s rural football mission is a major step towards a football-centric, youth-empowered India.