Srinagar, Aug 3: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has selected highly talented young NIS coach of the valley, Sajid Yusuf Dar for the A-level Asian Football Confederation (AFC) coaching course scheduled to be held at Hasur in Tamil Nadu from August 12 to September 8.
 It is for the first time that any coach from the State would be taking part in the A-license course. After qualifying it, he would become the first coach from the state to get an Asian Federation Confederation A-license. In the course apart from Sajid, former International footballers of India and I-league coaches would be participating. The coaching would be imparted by AFC instructor from Singapore Vincent Subramanyum.
 The name of Sajid was recommended by J&K Football Association to AIFF for the course on the basis of his B-licence which he had qualified earlier during the year. The B-Licence coaching course was held at Chennai in March 2009 and 26 among candidates from across the country who participated in it and 21 qualified. The camp was held under the supervision of Iranian instructor Masood Irani who in past has coached Iran and Syrian national teams.
 Currently J&K has got only two B-licence coaches, Sajid and Hilal and if Sajid qualifies A-Level then he will become the only state coach to possess the licence.
 To develop the level of football in India, the AIFF organizes different programs in collaboration with AFC and these license courses constitute are a part of the program. The course involves theory and practical training. B-license qualified coach is eligible to train national level teams.
 The AFC ‘A’ coaching certificate course is for coaches who hold both the ‘C’ and ‘B’ Coaching Certificates. Selection of participants is based only on the recommendation of the instructors. The duration of the course is 27 days, with a minimum of 148 hours. The course is designed to educate coaches in tactical and advanced technical requirements of teams and team management. Teachings of the physiological and psychological needs of the players are part of the module, and are important to enhance the coaches’ understanding of the game at this level. Students are examined on the practical and theoretical aspects of the game, and are required to submit and present a dissertation.
 Even AIFF and AFC recently declared that a coach must have an ‘A’ license in order to coach a club in the next I-league.
 In that respect AFC licence course has become important aspect of the coaching arena and JK will be having Sajid if he qualifies it.
 Hailing the selection of the coach, the JKFA Spokesperson, said that it was a matter of pride for the state football. “The AIFF had sought the list of eligible candidates for course,” he said. “We’re happy that Sajid has made it to the selection.”
 “We are proud of Sajid as only few coaches in entire country are AFC ‘B’ licence qualified and very few are ‘A’ license qualified. So if he qualifies the course we will have our own top coach in our fold. We hope he will use his potential for the development of JK football.” JKFA spokesperson said.
 Sajid Yusuf Dar belongs to the family of footballers which has given the state the names like Muhammad Yusuf Dar. Sajid got his diploma from the National Institute of Football, Patiala in 2003-2004. Soon after, he took various coaching assignments, training Kashmir University’s football team for the North Zone Inter-university championship held in the valley. His other assignments included training players of the JKFA and Sports Council. He was involved in the youth development football programs. Representing the state in two Santosh trophy tournaments, Sajid is currently coach of the KU’s football team. He is also involved with many private clubs like Iqbal Sports and Tyndale Biscoe School. He was also elected Vice-President of J&K Sports Development Association recently.
 Delighted by his selection Sajid Dar said, “I am delighted to hear it that I am going to attend ‘A’ license course. It has always been my dream to reach pinnacle of coaching and this is step into that direction. By qualifying this course I will be eligible to coach any top level team in the country and around world.”
  “I would like to thank JKFA for recommending my name for the course. As far as our coaching is concerned JKFA has always appreciated my work and whenever they gave me any assignment I have always devoted my services with full dedication. It always feels good when your work is being appreciated and your talent is being recognised. I am also thankful to the authorities of Kashmir University for providing me full support from time to time” he said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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