Mumbai: Excitement is there as football world is coming up

Manu Shetty, a senior coach who trains students for national level and junior level in Dadar 11 Football Academy, thinks it is important for people to watch the game to understand the game as well find interest in it. Shetty feels football is one of the cheapest games and should be given equal importance as cricket in the country. While the sport is seeing slow but gradual growth, it is not remotely close to match the infrastructure that European teams get.

"Yes the government is helping, but the infrastructure Europe has is more," said Manu Shetty.

People have started considering it as a career option as there is somewhat of a steady flow of income now-a-days. Shetty also said that football is not only restricted to boys with girls showing more and more interest in the game.

On how to keep the progress going, Shetty said, "What India needs is more sponsors for football."

"We need more support from the government in terms of infrastructure so that we get to train our players as we have to start with the basics like controlling and kicking balls properly," he said.

Hopeful about the growth and growing support, a footballer coaching under Shetty said, "We will surely see India participating in FIFA World Cup in the upcoming years. People are actually coming out in support, they have started recognising this sport even if it does not get as much priority as cricket gets."

"Indian players should also match the skills of players from other countries," said the coach said.