Football: FFSL to appoint qualified experts to develop Youth Programme

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) is on the verge of forming a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of qualified stalwarts to assist and guide its National Youth Development Project (NYDP).

This move, according to FFSL's Media and Finance Committee Chairman, Ranjith Rodrigo, is to strengthen the programme by helping the youngsters as well as the two foreign coaches who will be in charge of the Sri Lanka Under (U)-16 and U-19 squads. 

"The FFSL is looking for qualified personnel, preferably former players who played and coached Sri Lanka, to be part of the TAC. We may be good at administrating but, there are top personnel who are highly skilled in Football techniques. The FFSL wishes to see experts in the panel," Rodrigo stated. 

Interested individuals who hold the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) 'A' or Professional Coaching Licence will be considered for the TAC, which number the FFSL did not disclose. 

In addition, any Sri Lankan who holds a Professional Coaching Licence from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), will be welcome to be a part of the TAC. 

"The FFSL Administration intends to appoint an advisory Technical Expert Panel (TEP) to support its long term corporate plan. President Anura de Silva has initiated the move to obtain advice from experts within the country. This TEP will comprise of Top Coaches with 'A' Coaching Licence and Pro Licence (AFC or UEFA), and with updated coaching and/or technical knowledge, in the last 10 years. This move will include a wide range of constructive discussion points to develop technical strategies for the country's Football. This is a good opportunity for top coaches and technical experts to join hands with FFSL and work towards a common goal. FFSL is currently undergoing a massive reform process with a long term plan to uplift the game and make Football the most popular game in the country, by 2022," an FFSL media release stated. 

"Those interested in imparting their expertise on a voluntary basis, could contact FFSL President, Anura de Silva and discuss further matters with him. The TAC members will have to play an important role in the FFSL's NYDP, by acting as coordinators and mediators between the coaches and players. It's important that these kinds of projects take the right direction with the guidance of the correct people." 

The decision to kick-start the NYDP was taken by the FFSL in the aftermath of Sri Lanka's disastrous campaign at the AFC Solidarity Cup Football Championship played in Kuchin, Malaysia recently. 

The NYDP was one of the changes that were discussed and finalised at the FFSL's recent Executive Committee meeting. 

"As identified, players lacked the correct techniques in Football, and it may be too late to correct the present National players. But, we can always start from scratch, by starting with the juniors," he added. 

As discussed and finalised, the FFSL has already advertised for two International Experts, who will be in charge of training the junior teams identified as the U-16 and U-19 Sri Lanka sides. 

The upcoming 5 National Training Academies will also come under the two foreign officers, and the intended TAC will play a pivotal role by overseeing the activities and progress of the whole project.