The Indian captain said that the academy would be a long term project and that he can set it up in any state provided he gets the land.
Ace footballer Baichung Bhutia dreams to start a football academy if any state government is ready to part away with 20 to 30 acres of land for it.
The Indian football team captain, who was in Goa to launch the India finals of Nike-Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC), said that it (academy) would be a long term project.
"Personally, I want to start an academy. I want to have a very good academy," Bhutia told reporters at Duler football ground amid presence of striker Sunil Chhetri and All India Football federation (AIFF) General secretary Alberto Colaco.
"It’s a dream of every footballer to have his own academy," he said.
The Indian captain said that he can set it up in any state provided he gets the land.
Bhutia pointed out that in Europe, they have youth academies to nurture young talent while the irony in India is that the best of the football clubs do not have their own infrastructure.
"The clubs like East Bengal, Mohan Bagan, Dempo Sports Club.. they don’t even have their own ground," the footballer said.
Talking about MUPC, Bhutia advised that those who will win the finals and go to play with the big teams like Manchester should not lose their confidence looking at huge grounds and big players. "Enjoy the game and play best for your team," he advised.
The fifth Edition of Nike-MUPC tournament this year saw over 65 U-15 teams participating in it. Eight of them have reached India finals being held at Dhuler Football Stadium, the organisers said.
"Through grassroot initiatives like MUPC, we will continue to provide youngsters an opportunity to express their passion for the sport on a global platform," Colaco reacted during the function held at the ground today to unveil the India final trophy.
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