Jon Rudkin is the Academy Director at English Premier League club Leicester City FC.
Leicester City last month signed a historic first-ever club partnership agreement with East Bengal Club and signed a partnership agreement with the AIFF, India's national football federation. The agreements are designed to promote the exchange of footballing, commercial and marketing information and expertise between the three parties.
As a result of the tie-up, LCFC Academy Director Jon Rudkin was down in Calcutta in the second week of March 2004 to help select and set a programme for the India U17 probables for the Asia U17 Cup tournament to be held in Japan in September 2004.
Thanks to Nigel Empson (CEO FMM International) for making the interview possible!

the picture shows Jon Rudkin (middle) with India chief coach Stephen Constantine (left) and FMMI CEO Nigel Empson (right) at the SAI Centre, Saltlake, Calcutta.

Indian football fans will know little about the youth development set-up at Leicester City FC. As the Leicester City FC Academy director, please tell us more about it?

The academy at Leicester City FC has been in operation for 6 seasons and was formed around the FA charter for quality, the development of young players. It is governed and set by certain criterias e.g. facilities, pitches, staffing levels and qualifications. We have approximately 127 boys from 8 years to 19 years and coached either in the day or our evening sessions. There are four full time coaches and 14 part time coaches, three physios, two recruitment officers and an education officer. Our aim is to develop players for our first team but to develop them as young people as well. We currently have 14 youth internationals.

Are any talented British Asian youngsters coming through the system?

There is a lot of positive work going on in the clubs, and I am sure we will all bear the fruits from this work and see many potential Asian players coming through.

What projects are Leicester City FC doing in and with the Asian community?

We have various intiatives within the Asian community. We held 4-Vs-4 Inner-City matches, we have development centres, links with clubs and Asian scouts.

You have now travelled to Calcutta, the Mecca of Indian football, but what do you know about Indian football?
Did you have any expectations from your side?
How will you try to help the Indian U17 team and the coaching staff?

I knew a little bit about Indian football but so much more since my visit. This India under-17 side is the start of a foundation being set for the future. They will all try hard in Japan but most important they learn as players and become better for it for the future. I'm assisting the coaches in any way I can, both tactically and technically, but good work has been taking place, the key is the identification of players across India.

Do you have any specific plans? Or are you rather flexible and adjust your training and teaching to the given conditions/senario?

My schedule has been well maped out during my visit. Basically no time to sleep!

If you saw a talented Indian youngsters would you recommend that player to your club, Leicester City FC?

If I saw any good players I would have no hesitation in recommending them to our club.
Good luck to all the young footballers

Thank you Jon for the interview!

the pictures below shows Jon Rudkin during his work with the INDIA U17 probables.