My vision for AFCAI is to bring all football clubs and academies in India under one umbrella so that the new and entry-level clubs can learn from, and get guidance from the experience and expertise of the established clubs.

The established clubs will benefit from guiding and mentoring new, smaller clubs as it will lead to the overall development of football in their region, and possibly even help to scout players and other good professionals from smaller clubs. The idea is to create a platform for clubs and academies to support, guide and help each other grow. The organisation will stand for the rights of every club or academy in India which is honestly doing the good work of promoting the sport so that they do not have to face any problems alone.

What plans does AFCAI have for the year?

We foresee a busy year ahead with various online and offline seminars, courses, and learning camps for an array of things like social media, marketing, scouting, club operations, club structure, accreditation, club licensing etc. The idea is to keep members of the organisation is engaged year round and allows for maximum opportunities for idea exchanges, interaction and networking.

How will AFCAI involve its members?

As this is a voluntary organisation, all members will be valuable stakeholders. The members will have direct access to a wide network of industry professionals for anything and everything needed to run a football club. We already have volunteer mentors and specialists in the fields of media, marketing, sponsorships, operations, legal etc. Additionally, we intend to set up an open forum for all clubs and academies who are facing problems of any kind. We intend to provide them with the expertise to overcome any obstacles. It will be a one-stop solution for clubs and academies.

How can Clubs and Academies of India be protected?

The only way club's and academies' interests can be protected is if we unite them through a common platform like the AFCAI. Most federations and organisations try to pit the clubs and academies against each other. Rivalry is good on the field, united we stand and divided we fall. We cannot see each other as competition, we must see ourselves as comrades who are united for the common goal of the development of football.

How was the idea of AFCAI born?

During my time in India football, I realised that clubs and academies are the true lifeblood of the footballing ecosystem of the country. Not to mention the investments made by them which are sustaining the football in the county. They are the ones doing the hard and dirty work at the ground level to sow the seeds of the game far and wide. Yet these most important stakeholders are seldom consulted, often ignored and sometimes even victimised. We already have a players association and a coaches association, but there is no representation of clubs and academies united. Upon doing some research I found that such organisations already exist in countries like Australia, the US, all over Europe and around the world. We drew inspiration from them, and that's how AFCAI was born.