YOUTH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Vision of We are Football plan for Youth Football till the year 2022.

The plan is a set of ambitious, yet tangible goals that everyone in Bengal and Indian Football can work towards over the next 10 years as we strive to make youth football in India and Bengal to be a force to reckon with and generate future home-grown talent pool.

Along the way, Football will nurture a life time connection to the game for all our people in all our diversity. We all want Football to live and breathe beyond the 90 minutes. We would like to launch a Franchisee based Football league as partners of the Indian Football Association for U13 and U15 across all districts of West Bengal. The WOFP is a collaboration involving all of Football‘s stakeholders; everyone from national, state and territory governing bodies to the community participants, from Top Tier clubs to fans on the terraces and in digital communities. The WOFP represents the game‘s collective wisdom at this point in time. We hope reading the plan will give you the sense that the game is on the move and that our best years are ahead of us. We need to harness the unity of purpose, energy, confidence and ambition that exists in Indian and Bengal Football. Like any game of Football, the WOFP will inevitably spark debate and become a contest of ideas where the outcome cannot be easily predicted. That‘s the nature of any grand undertaking. In developing this plan, Football has made a decision not to be limited by the game‘s resources. We have a firm conviction that Indian Football‘s best years are ahead of us. This growth will bring the promise of greater revenues and new incomes streams, enough to fund the future. But we can say with certainty that without an inclusive national plan with a long-term vision, Indian and Bengal Football cannot possibly reach its potential. This is our plan.

Opportunities to invest in Grassroots and Youth Football in India have never been better The All India Football Federation have launched and are delivering on an ambitious National Grassroots

Plan .There is a groundswell of participation through informal football, schools football, charitable

programmes and private initiatives.

The current situation in India for football is not therefore dissimilar to the situation in the USA for soccer in the 1960‘s.As Simon Kuper the noted Financial Times journalist noted ―Thanks to robust economic growth and easy access to information, India will become a notable

soccer-playing nation in the near future. What is happening in India is happening all over the

world ... that is the magic of soccer. It is happening in Australia, the US and other countries. It is

like a virus."

India is the second most populous country in the world, with over 1.22 billion people (2012 census), more than a sixth of the world's population.

Already containing 17.5% of the world's population, India is projected to be the world's most populous country by 2025, surpassing China, its population reaching 1.6 billion by 2050.

By age demographics, 54 percent of India's population is under the age of 25, which amounts to 550 million young people. 65% of the population is under 35 years old.

According to India's National Council for Skill Development7, the youth population—aged 15 to 34—is expected to increase to 464 million by 2021, making India the youngest country in the world.

Personal Disposable Income/ Distribution of wealth and the development of the Indian Middle Class

Households with annual disposable incomes of US$5,000-15,000 as a percentage of total households is 14.6% in India .This is expected to be 41.1% in India by 202015

Average real household disposable income (income minus taxes, adjusted for inflation) is projected to grow each year by 5.3% to 2025, when it is expected to reach $6,977

In 2010 India's middle class consumption was estimated to be ‗ roughly equivalent to Ireland's total private consumption ‗ and is forecast to triple as a share of India's total consumption over the next 15 years.

A recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) suggests that if India continues to grow at the current pace, average household incomes will triple over the next two decades and it will become the world‘s 5th-largest consumer economy by 202517.

In 2015 a report by National Council for Applied Economic Research's (NCAER) Centre for Macro Consumer Research said by 2015-16, India will be a country of 53.3 million middle class households, translating into 267 million people falling in the category.

Further ahead, by 2025-26 the number of middle class households in India is likely to more than double from the 2015-16 levels to 113.8 million households or 547 million individuals.

Adult Five –a side-football The increased interest in 5-a side-football in India is evident in the corporate and student tournaments across the country. An increasing number of college students and young professionals are taking to five-a-side football, a smaller version of the actual game, both for physical fitness and serious competition. Five-a-side tournaments conducted in the past three years have attracted not just colleges, but even companies and district-level teams. 21

Another proof of the increased interest is the growth of 5-side- football tournaments with the participation of women, organized by Care India. The initiative is spread through the colleges in India. 22

In 2013 Pepsi Cola have initiated a 7-a-side league in with over 450 teams in Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Ludhiana and New Delhi23

Sports Market Revenue In 2010, sports-market revenue in BRIC was $8.3 billion24 The Sports Market in India is estimated to be worth $ 1.8 billion in 2014

PricewaterhouseCoopers in a 2011 report projected that BRIC sports-market revenue would reach $10.4 billion in 2015—with India posting a compound growth rate of 5% between 2011 and 2015, compared to China's 3.3%.

According to Technopak Advisors, the size of the sportswear market in India is around $240 million and it is growing at 15 per cent year-on-year.25

Manchester United now have 6 six more stores and 60 stalls in department stores in India26

The sportswear retail market in India is estimated at INR365.8 billion and is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 33% during 2010–2014. The market includes sports apparel, footwear and accessories, with footwear being the largest segment, accounting for around 60% of the total market.

Increased activity in established Charities and Private Programmes In 2013 ,The Asian Football Development Programme has linked with ‗ Magic Bus‘ to enhance football opportunities for over 200,000 children4849 This programme involves 7,000 Youth Leaders in 12 States

Coerver Coaching in 2011 reported that ‗Numbers and revenues have doubled since 2009. Since 2011 the numbers of camps, schools and Centres have again doubled with over 100 Centres,Schools, Camps and Tournaments50

Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools extended its programme to 12 Centres by opening a School in East India51

Premier India Football Academy, has grown and is currently valued at Rs 100 million (1.6m$) making it one of the biggest football academies in India52

The Indian Tigers Football Alliance [ITFA) has expanded its school and Academy programme53

The Haryana Football Association and the Dutch Haryana Foundation established an Academy in 2010 and has expanded to visits to Holland for selected players54

The Western India Football Association [WIFA], responsible for the promotion of the game in the state of Maharashtra, in November 2011, introduced the Manchester United Soccer Schools coaching program at their headquarters at Cooperage. The five-week module training at the school costs $ 208 each. Three hundred children have enrolled for the first module.55

Nearly three decades after the inauguration of the much-revered Tata Football Academy, electronics giants Panasonic has set up a state-of-the-art residential football school, similar to the one in Jamshedpur, in Haryana56.

The Mohun Bagan SAIL Football Academy57 continues to develop players and has brought a large number of schools under this initiative The scheme has also introduced a ―pay-n-play scheme‖ where it gives an opportunity to the normal school boys to play on the club facilities and watch the important national league matches,

The Delhi United Soccer Club 58has extended its base to involve more teams and players as has the Chandigarh Football Academy.

Sports & Education Promotion Trust was established to promote sports development in India with focus on football. Started in 2004 and has now extended to set up 41 centres called "football nurseries" spread across 11 districts in Kerala.60

The 'Kolkata Goalz' Project 61launched in 2011 has extended its reach to involve coach and volunteer education This is a multi-agency project for the youth living in some challenging neighborhoods of Kolkata was announced by the English Premier League, the British Council, Kolkata Police, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, All India Football Federation and Indian Football Association (West Bengal) in association with six clubs who will directly be involved in the delivery of the project.

Summary of Participation in Grassroots and Youth Football The following participation is jointly for Grassroots football (6-12 years) and Youth Football (12 years onwards). It gives a good understanding of the participation at both levels as well as the potential. Including ‗street football ‗ and schools football there are a reported 20 million footballers in India.

According to FIFA and the AIFF there are :

- 6,540 clubs with the state associations and district associations64 : these clubs have 12,000 teams accounting for approximately 250,000 registered players

- 21,000 Administrators, and 17,600 Referees and Assistant Referees

In addition there are football clubs involving University and college football, football tournaments organised by various public sector and government departments/undertakings like Railways, Services, Petroleum Sports Board, Police, etc.

We would estimate that there are:

- 20,000 children a year attending soccer camps

- at least 50,000 schools with a school football team involving over 250,000 children mostly in the age range 14-17 years of age

o AIFF/Coca Cola Cup involving over 40,000 children every year

o Subroto Cup65 66 involving over 20,000 schools

o Airtel Cup in association with Manchester Utd.67

o School Games Federations.

West Bengal Population- District wise Population 2011

DISTRICT

POPULATION

2011

PERCENTAGE SHARE IN

TOTAL POPULATION OF

THE STATE 2011

West Bengal 9,13,47,736 100.00

1 North Twenty Four

Parganas

1,00,82,852 11.04

2 South Twenty Four Parganas

81,53,176 8.93

3 Barddhaman 77,23,663 8.46

4 Murshidabad 71,02,430 7.78

5 Paschim Medinipur* 59,43,300 6.51

DISTRICT

POPULATION

2011

PERCENTAGE SHARE IN

TOTAL POPULATION OF

THE STATE 2011

6 Hugli 55,20,389 6.04

7 Nadia 51,68,488 5.66

8 Purba Medinipur* 50,94,238 5.58

9 Haora 48,41,638 5.30

10 Kolkata 44,86,679 4.91

11 Maldah 39,97,970 4.38

12 Jalpaiguri 38,69,675 4.24

13 Bankura 35,96,292 3.94

14 Birbhum 35,02,387 3.83

15 Uttar Dinajpur 30,00,849 3.29

16 Puruliya 29,27,965 3.21

17 Koch Bihar 28,22,780 3.09

18 Darjiling 18,42,034 2.02

19 Dakshin Dinajpur 16,70,931 1.83

Tournament Introduction All the above factors in mind and understanding the enormous growth opportunity for Youth Football In India we propose the road-map for the Youth Champions league to be organised in every district of Bengal that aims to help football reach each and every household of the state. This is a first of its kind project and focuses on the development of individual players more than that of the basic idea of franchisee model.

AGE GROUPS (2016-17)

U13 Cut-off Date: June 1, 2003.

U15 Cut-off Date: June 1, 2001.

Tournament Format:

Instead of inviting schools we will register all kids onto our tournament portal for a nominal registration fee with everyone provided with a unique identification number to appear for trials to be selected for the cluster based franchisee teams.

20 districts of Bengal are divided into 4 clusters; each cluster consists of 5 districts. Every district will have 12 Franchisee teams in each age group competing among themselves in league cum knockout format with the top two teams from each district qualifying for the cluster championship. After that the top two from each cluster will compete for the State finals and the ultimate championship.

The age group to be divided will be U13 and U15. Our technical team will have a detailed selection process to select the players to participate in the youth cup through the youth festival.

The selected players will then be divided into franchisees through draft and lottery system as per the technical parameters assesed by the team of coaches on a software. This would reduce the age fraud and match fixing scenario drastically thus giving every kid a fair chance to play and participate in football along with a fair trial opportunity. Who may not have proper sporting facility in their respective schools. Our aim is to involve all kids to be a part of the event irrespective of the school or social background.

All teams would derive their name from some cultural and ethnic speciality of each district to maintain the essence of Bengal and also will be fairly represented.

All matches would be attended by our team of scouts and experts to scout on grassroot and youth level talents and pick them up to be nurtured further through various I-League, ISL and Academy Teams.

The state championship will be league-cum-knockout with the qualified cluster teams divided into pots and subsequently divided into groups through UCL style draw.

Each franchisee team would be owned by a public figure or a celebrity from each district for a nominal fees.

Jersey and kits would be provided by our associate kit makers in exchange of a discounted price from the team owners or sponsors.

No two teams of same cluster would be drawn together. New draw would be conducted for semis of state championship.

150 licensed coaches and support staff; thus generating employment to a chunk of the numerous licensed coaches in Bengal.

4 match officials for each match; thus tying up with the district referees association and giving more exposure to the young match officials.

First-aid kit for each matches. Ambulances present in each match.

TV and online live streaming rights for state finals. All the cluster matches would be podcasted on IFA and our YouTube channel also tie-up with local cable channels of every district to telecast it on local TV for everyones viewership.

Key Points Of the Project:

1. The uniqueness and freshness of the tournament, unlike other franchisee based events

in the country this will have a fresh look to it every year thus making sure the sponsors

and the audience anticipate it with eagerness.

2. There are lot of age group tournaments happening across India but none of them have a

clear road-map neither innovation and organization attached to it, which is the USP of

this league it is unique and organised and proper planning behind it.

3. The all inclusive apporach we have for this tournament which makes it attractive for kids

from all background and strata and gives everyone a level playing field.

4. There is something in it for every stake-holder making it a thriving idea for all parties.

5. 50% of the total population of Bengal is below the age group of 25 so the brand value of

the project can only increase and with an average of 5.75% increase in disposable

income inclusive of inflation in the next ten years, the project remains viable with a long

term future.

6. The project would be backed by the State football body, state government and also

reputed NGOs to lend it the highest value of credential and make it stable project to

invest in.

7. The project will only grow in size with new age groups, female leagues, newer format of

leagues and other sports would also be included.

8. Investing in sports always makes sense and also indirectly serves the world and makes

it a better place to live in.

9. Football in particular and sports in general already has a strong presence in the state but

due to lack of organisation, branding and promotion it lacks the cutting edge to make it

an attractive option for the masses.

10. It will also help in indirect and direct employment of many youths on a long term basis

around the state and also coaches and other personnel.

Proposed Trial Start Date: Third week of September, Tournament Proposed Start Date: November 2016

PARTNERS NEEDED

Title Sponsor: 1

Co-sponsor: 5-10

Perimeter Board Sponsors.

Health Partners: 1

Media Partners: 1

Security Partners: 1

Food & Beverage Partners: 2

Radio Partners: 1

Online Partners: 5

PRIZES

Winners and Runners trophy.

Medals for each winners and runners-up

Best Goalkeeper of the tournament (Golden Gloves + Gift)

Best Defender (Golden trophy + Gift)

Best Midfielder (Golden Trophy + Gift)

Best Striker (Golden Boot + Gift)

MVP (Golden Ball + Gift)

Best Super Sub

Best Coach

Best Match official

Spirit of the Game Award

Best District (Cash prize to the District Association) Cash Prize and a plaque for the best participitating school in every district. All Prizes for State as well as Cluster tournament.

CONCLUSION

The USP for our sponsors we are estimating a minimum of 200,000 students from all over Bengal to be part of the event and on an average 300,000 to 500,000 viewership on various media platforms for the event. The companies by sponsoring the events get a targeted customer base of a minimum value of 500,000 on an average across districts which would have cost them way more to put an ad on TV or print in a prime time slot. They get extensive exposure through word of mouth publicity to every nook and corner of Bengal, media exposure, digital marketing exposure, etc.

This model after successful completion would be replicated in other 35 states and union territories. We at Aciesta Sports believe this will change the complete demography of grass-root development in India and give a huge talent pool to choose from in the future not only in football in other sports as well as we want to replicate this model in other sports as well within the next 24 months. We have some more plans and measures to make this the most attractive Youth tournament in the country. This gives us the gratifying effect of building a steady talent pool for the various clubs in India as well as later on abroad also building a sustained sporting culture in India and Bengal and also making it a successful commercial model to follow in the future and branch into other age groups, similar girl‘s league, beach football, youth futsal league etc. This tournament will be further extension of the FIFA and AIFF Grass-root and youth Development plan as well as the ambitious plan of the Central Government and AIFF ‗Mission 11 Million‘ which will be launched by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS CUP in October at Goa. It will also be in line with the West Bengal Governments and Honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee‘s vision of promoting sports and specially football to nook and corner of the state.