The AIFF Elite Academy was the elite academy of the regional
AIFF affiliated academies. Founded on 1 February 2013, the Elite Academy started as a youth development project between the AIFF and
FIFA.[1] The Elite Academy is the final frontier for players who train at the AIFF regional academies in various parts of
India.
History
In September 2011, it was announced that both All India Football Federation and FIFA would work together to set up various regional academies and one elite academy in India with the goal of developing youth footballers in the country.[2] The first phase was starting of regional academies in
Bangalore,
Kolkata,
Mumbai,
Delhi and
Sikkim.[2] The second phase saw
Chennai,
Chandigarh, and
Kerala getting academies by March 2013. Each academy consisted of 30-35 under-14 players who would eventually develop to the further youth stages.[2]
Bangalore, Kolkata, and Delhi regional academies delayed while the Mumbai Academy was started with future
India U23 coach,
Arthur Papas.[3] The reason given for the delay was due to the rampant age-cheating during trials for the regional academies. Of the 120 players selected after playing in the
Subroto Cup and other youth competitions, 84 were found to be over-aged and not even acceptable for the under-16 category.[3]
Eventually, the AIFF Elite Academy was launched in 2013.[1] It was gradually integrated in the
Indian Arrows.
2018 squad
[4]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under
FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
