I have spotted some exceptional boys: O’Donell

KALYANI (WB): Even as 590 kids from all over the Country play football in ‘the

best ground of the country’ in the AIFF U-14 Football Fest, the AIFF
spotters keep a close eye on all of them. Scott O’Donell, Technical
Manager, Regional and Elite Academies spoke at length to

www.the-aiff.comon the significance of the Fest, the plans ahead and
other related issues.
*EXCERPTS:*

*What is the significance of the AIFF U-14 Football Fest?*

The Fest forms an integral part of the selection for the future National
Team. At the moment, we would be recruiting boys for the Regional Academies
from the Fest. There are State Teams who are making a significant progress
on the field as we are progressing. The momentum is picking up.

*Are you impressed with the quality of the boys?*

This is just the second day of the Fest. As we progress, we would be having
stronger teams playing against each other. That would be fun. But yeah, the
quality of some boys from Mizoram and Meghalaya, have been exceptional.

*Do such Fests form the bedrock of developed Footballing Nations?*

Not always. For example, in Australia, the National Championships form the
platform for the future. In an ideal situation, the best talent was
supposed to be at such a tournament. But I understand that doesn’t always
happen here. Hence, we are looking for more options.