AIFF, Ryan Group partner to boost school football

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ryan Group of Institutions to introduce structured football and futsal programmes across its schools, focusing on grassroots development and greater participation of girls. Under the agreement, AIFF will extend technical support by designing training frameworks, standardised coaching curricula and competitions.

It will also conduct grassroots leader courses, safeguarding workshops for staff, deploy scouts, monitor quality and allow AIFF branding in programmes. In turn, the Ryan Group will provide education support to players training at AIFF Talent Development Scheme centres in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan and Ryan Group CEO Ryan Pinto said the initiative would strengthen youth pathways and promote futsal as an accessible entry sport.