City's young footballers learn the samba style of playing

The scenario of football on the grass-roots level is booming in the city and one reason behind this is the growth is the success of football schools in Mumbai. One such school is the Indian Football School (IFS), Churchgate, which has appointed a staff of fine Brazilian coaches. One of the most recent additions to the coaching team is Elton Eliseu Petry, 52, who is an ex-player and pro-coach.

With over 20 years experience of training at the grassroots and youth level, Elton has worked with talents like Douglas Costa, Lucas Leiva and Anderson. The Brazilian has been in Mumbai for four months and is inculcating the ‘samba’ style of play in the local footballers.

Elton believes that India has better facilities than the ones in Brazil but the technique here is not that exceptional. “Having two perfect football stadiums in one city is a huge achievement. In Brazil, the kids play wherever they get a chance and I think the technique is in our blood. India has great potential but there also a problem of fitness, players do not focus much on that. I am seeing some great passion in Mumbai’s footballers but they need the right motivation to reach the big stage,” he explains.

Before coming to Mumbai, Elton was working in Sudan as the coach for top-flight team Al-Ahli SC (Khartoum). “I have been to Saudi Arabia and UAE but I think India has more passion than these countries. I have come here for a brief period of time so that I give them a small touch of the Brazilian style of play. I do not only teach the players how to play football but also train the coaches on how to handle these players. If the players do not have a proper direction, the skill goes in vain,” he says through his immense knowledge.

Apart from taking the coaching job, Elton is enjoying his days in Mumbai. Although the Brazilian is not much acquainted with food here, he is finding some exceptions in the cuisine. “India and Brazil have many similarities but the food here is very spicy here. I like having biryani but except for that I cook my own food. I enjoy the beaches,” says the trainer, who reveals who also loves to travel.

Vaibhav Gulati, 31, the CEO and the Director of IFS has been a part of the club since its inception. He explains how the girls have benefited more from the school. “Our school has courses for kids of various age groups. They get a good blend of Indian and Brazilian football. We have seen great talent come up but eventually we cannot take the credit for their success. The girls who have trained from our school have played for Maharashtra in the state championships. The football among girls is definitely prospering in Mumbai,’ he says.

As he talks about the election of Aaditya Thackeray as the President of Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA), Gulati says, “He has changed the dynamics of city football by giving a fine upgrade to the facilities. I can say that Mr. Thackeray is to be credited for the MumbaiSports Arena. He has worked hard to get that stadium.”

IFS provides training to kids from the age of 3 to 15. As they operate in the best facilities of the city, their students get fine exposure for a greater platform.