FC Mangalore has added another feather to its cap by hosting the region’s first-ever AIFF Goalkeeping Level 1 Coaching Course, a landmark step in strengthening specialised football education in coastal Karnataka and beyond.
The pioneering course was conducted under the expert guidance of AIFF Coach Educator Manish Kajania, who brought a wealth of experience and insights to the aspiring coaches. A total of 24 candidates from various districts across South India — including Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu — took part in the intensive program.
Specialised goalkeeping coaching has long been an area in need of greater focus in Indian football, and this course marks an important stride towards bridging that gap. Over several days, participants immersed themselves in technical theory sessions and practical on-field drills designed specifically to equip them with modern methods to develop goalkeepers from the grassroots up.
Adding to the local impact, FC Mangalore’s own coaches, Sarath Sasikumar and Vipin Chandran, also participated in the course to further enhance their knowledge and bring best practices back to the club’s training programs.
“This is a huge step forward for the football community in this region,” said FC Mangalore Technical Director Biby Thomas. “Goalkeeping is a highly specialised position that requires dedicated coaching. By building a pool of qualified goalkeeping coaches, we’re empowering clubs and academies to produce better goalkeepers who can perform at higher levels.”
FC Mangalore’s initiative to host this course reflects the club’s commitment to fostering all-round football development — not just by fielding competitive teams, but also by creating pathways for coach education in specialised areas.
With 24 newly trained goalkeeping coaches returning to their hometowns and clubs, the ripple effect of this course is set to be felt across South India’s grassroots and youth football circuits in the years to come.
FC Mangalore continues to set the standard for community-driven football progress — one coaching milestone at a time.
