Kolkata And Football's Affair Dates Back To The 1900s, These Academies Are Proof

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Kolkata is the Mecca of Indian football, home to the country's most supported teams: Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. It also boasts India's largest football stadium, the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, with an 85,000 capacity as of 2015. This stands as a testament to the city's profound interest in football. If you're looking to hop onto the bandwagon and join football coaching, there are the top academies you should consider.

Kolkata Football Academy

Kolkata Football Academy, also known as 'KFA', is a leading football academy in India situated in Kolkata, attracting players from across the nation and abroad. Despite India's 102nd ranking in World Football (as of 2018), KFA aims to address the talent gap by offering a residential football academy equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced national-level coaches, and a conducive environment. They also have a canteen, in-house academic coaching, gym, and medical facilities. With a focus on both football training and academics, KFA provides aspiring players with the ideal platform to pursue their dreams.

Where: 2 Niranjan Pally, P. K. Road, P.O.- R. Gopalpur, Kolkata

Contact: 7890032939

Kalighat Milan Sangha Football Club

Kalighat Milan Sangha Football Club, commonly referred to as Kalighat MS (formerly Kalighat Club), is a multi-sports club situated in Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The club's football team currently competes in the Premier Division of the Calcutta Football League. Over the years, numerous prominent football players have kick-started successful careers through their association with this club. Notably, they have partnered with Austria to establish a football academy, ensuring top-notch coaching standards. The academy's admission fee is INR 6,000, with a monthly fee of INR 1,500.

Where: 252, Block A, 700089, Lake Town, Kolkata

Contact: 3325211781

Mohammedan Sporting Club

Mohammedan Sporting Club is a renowned Indian professional football club, competing in the I-League. Established in 1891, it stands as one of India's oldest and most beloved football clubs, boasting a nationwide fan base. The admission fee is INR 1000. The club specialises in coaching programs catering to children aged 6 to 19 years, overseen by professional coaches, many of whom are former international or national-level players with coaching credentials from the Asian Football Confederation and All India Football Federation.

Where: Tent Maidan, Indira Gandhi Sarani, Maidan, Kolkata

Contact: 9007823453

Sports Authority of India Eastern Centre Football Academy

Established in 1984 under the Department of Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) carries forward the legacy of the IXth Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1982. SAI aims to promote sports and achieve sporting excellence at both national and international levels. The Eastern Centre Football Academy, equipped with top-notch facilities including qualified coaches, grounds, gymnasiums, physical training, match-playing opportunities with senior teams, and Government scholarships for deserving students, is a highly attractive destination for aspiring footballers aged 8 and above.

Where: Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre, Bidhan Nagar, Sector 3, Kolkata

Contact: 011-24369781

German Football Academy

Train with Bayern Munich players at the German Football Academy, welcoming children as young as four. Led by top coaches like Sarah Romert, former national team member, GFA offers comprehensive support including diet, growth monitoring, and fitness sessions. Coaches trained under Matthias Nowak ensure high-quality training for ages 4 to 22, with girls encouraged to join. Sessions held at AD Block Salt Lake and Punjab Sporting Club, with expansion plans underway.

Where: 5A, Sarat Bose Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata

Contact: 7980116259

North Calcutta Football Academy

NCFA, an academy accredited by the Indian Football Association, envisions India on the global stage of football. Hosting football camps at Deshbandhu Park across diverse age groups, they also arrange residential camps in various districts and offer sports medicine clinics. With a team of qualified coaches, ex-footballers, and physical trainers, NCFA ensures high-quality training programs.

Where: K.M.C Building, Deshbandhu Park. Raja Dinendra Street, Kolkata

Contact: 9007675223

Mohun Bagan Athletic Club

And last but not least, imagine learning football from India's oldest club, with a legacy dating back to its foundation in 1889. This 130-year-old institution offers a wealth of resources including seasoned coaching, access to a gymnasium, and training sessions alongside senior players. To enroll in the academy, simply pay an admission fee of INR 6,500, with a monthly fee of INR 1,000.

Where: Gostho Paul Sarani, Maidan, Kolkata

Contact: 033-2248 1634