Visionless NFL clubs ignore long-term development

The top Indian football clubs are spending crores in recruiting players (Indian or foreign) but little on practice grounds, medical facilities or the comfort of the players
Churchill Brothers coach TK Chatunni was sweating profusely. With no shade at the ground, he stood under a tree to escape the scorching April sun in Goa. The rigorous practice session had just ended, and the players too, were looking for cover. The next day Churchill were to play Mohun Bagan in the crucial and deciding NFL encounter.
While there was no lack of seriousness among the footballers, the condition of the practice ground was pathetic. There was no dressing room, not even enough benches for the players to sit. And, not a blade of grass could be seen on the field, which also had uneven bounce. It was difficult to believe that one of the country's best teams was preparing under such conditions on the eve of season's fiercest battle.
This is not a one-off incident in Indian football. This is the sordid story of lack of professionalism that could be attributed to almost every NFL club in the country, be it in terms of ground conditions, proper coaching methods, medical facilities, building up infrastructure or maintaining the junior teams. If the federation is accused of not being able to usher in professionalism in Indian football, then the clubs, too, have remained equally amateurish in their attitude. Perhaps, the only time the clubs display a sense of professionalism is when it comes to getting their dues from the AIFF and other sources. Sadly, little of this is put to proper use, except recruiting some over-priced footballers for the season.
Harish Rao, the former Mahindra United and Maharashtra coach, agrees. "There is no point blaming the AIFF alone. Few clubs in India have made an effort to model their attitude on the lines of Japan, S Korea or even Malaysia. After so many years, tell me how many clubs in India have proper full-size grounds, leave alone stadia? They hardly spend on such things."
Rao is not far from the truth. The three Kolkata clubs, always prompt to boast about their century-old soccer tradition, still play on their leased army grounds with dilapidated wooden galleries. With so many years of popular support behind them, the so-called giants are yet to make an effort to build their own club buildings in any part of the city, though each of them runs a seasonal budget of more than Rs 2 crore. For them, buying players and winning trophies is the only short-cut to success.
The East Bengal football secretary, Babu Bhattacharya, however feels that the attitude has changed of late. "I cannot talk about the other clubs, but in East Bengal, things are different now. We have top class multi-gym, air-conditioned dressing room and up-to-date practice facilities. Before the Asean Cup in Jakarta, we kept the players in a five-star hotel for the residential camp. But then, we hardly receive any back-up from the federation. If the parents are not on the right track, then the children are bound to lose focus."
To blame the Kolkata clubs alone would be wrong. Even the Goan clubs, who have a strong support base and are being backed up financially by sound corporate houses, are run more or less in the same manner. Till recently, neither Salgaocar, Dempo nor Churchill, had proper practice grounds for their teams, whose combined seasonal expenses on player recruitment was more than a crore. They have got their own grounds this season, but only on hire basis. Building their own stadium is still a distant dream for Indian football clubs.
The former national coach, Sukhwinder Singh, is not convinced that things have improved. "Even in this National League, the practice ground that has been provided to the teams in Goa is unplayable. Sometimes four teams are asked to practice on the same ground at one time. Will this improve the game?" he asked.
Clubs in India regularly talk of adopting latest styles of play from developed soccer nations, but hardly bother to follow the proper method. While coaches without degree or background are put in charge of top teams, they also get the boot at the drop of a hat. Some teams like Mohun Bagan and Mahindra United have become infamous for sacking coaches. Coaches like Subroto Bhattacharya and SS Hakeem were felicitated when they won trophies for their respective clubs and were thrown out unceremoniously when the teams lost.
There are few teams in India that are serious about medical back-up or building junior squads. Under the NFL rules, all teams can avail an extra air or train ticket and claim tour allowance while travelling for an away match, provided they have a full-fledged doctor attached to the team. Many clubs do not even bother to avail this opportunity.

U-19 NFL a non-event
The under-19 NFL introduced by the AIFF a couple of years ago is still a non-event, mainly because of the apathy of clubs. While some teams stay out, most field a scratch side to avoid the fine that could be imposed by the AIFF for non-participation. AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco however, says that the clubs too, have a point. "Since there are not many under-19 tournaments around, it is difficult for the clubs to maintain a team for the entire season."
Amateurish management, Colaco feels, is the main hindrance towards ushering in professionalism in Indian football, be it NFL or any other meet. "What we need in India is professional and paid people to run the clubs as well as the federation. Then only can we achieve the target."
The AIFF secretary is aware of the shortcomings of the NFL clubs, but is also confident that things are changing. "Having dealt with the teams regularly, I know that they are slowly realising the need of doctors, physiotherapists and dope control. All the teams now are trying for better training facilities, using modern gymnasiums and following modern training methods."
It was good to hear words of encouragement from the federation boss but the question here is of attitude. For Indian clubs winning trophies is the ultimate goal. Their vision is too narrow and their aim too small. For them, snatching away Bhaichung Bhutia from another club at an exorbitant price is a bigger achievement than adding three promising juniors to the side.
It indeed is ironic that while the teams are spending crores, the game is paying the price for the clubs’ apathy.