Mangalore recently played host to a yet another milestone for football development in the region, as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) ‘C’ License coaching course was successfully conducted in the city. The intensive week-long course was led by FC Mangalore’s Technical Director and AIFF Coach Educator, Biby Thomas alongside Shailesh Karkera.
A total of 22 aspiring coaches from various districts across South India — including Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu — participated in the program. The course is a vital stepping stone in the AIFF coaching pathway, equipping grassroots and youth-level coaches with essential knowledge and practical skills to elevate the standard of football in their communities.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for Mangalore to host this course yet again,” said Biby Thomas, who has been instrumental in nurturing both players and coaches in the region. “Developing qualified coaches is key to growing the game at the grassroots level. It’s heartening to see so many passionate individuals come together to upskill themselves and give back to the sport.”
Over the course of the program, candidates engaged in theory sessions, practical field training, and assessments covering key aspects such as planning training sessions, player development, modern coaching methodologies, and safeguarding practices. Participants were also given hands-on experience in designing and delivering practice sessions under Biby Thomas’s expert guidance.
The successful completion of the AIFF ‘C’ License course in Mangalore underscores the city’s growing reputation as an emerging hub for football education and development in Karnataka. FC Mangalore’s commitment to not only fielding competitive teams but also investing in coach education is a positive step towards building a sustainable football ecosystem in the coastal city.
As the newly certified coaches return to their districts, the impact of this course will ripple out to countless young players across South India, raising the standard of training and nurturing the next generation of football talent.
