Premier League Boosts Indian Grassroots Football via NEXTGEN Coach Programme in Mumbai
The Premier League brings its NEXTGEN Coach programme to Mumbai, training 34 OSCAR Foundation coaches to boost Indian grassroots football.
The Premier League NEXTGEN Coach programme has landed in Mumbai, marking a significant step in the global football giant's mission to elevate grassroots football in India. From October 10 to 13, the Cooperage Football Ground became a hub of learning and development as 34 coaches from the OSCAR Foundation gathered for an intensive four-day training initiative.
Empowering Local Coaches
The programme was led by the Premier League’s international community coaches, with vital support from Indian coach educators who are alumni of the Premier League Primary Stars programme. This synergy of global expertise and local experience ensured that the training was both world-class and culturally relevant.
The NEXTGEN initiative has evolved significantly. What began as a tournament pitting Premier League Academy sides against Indian youth teams has now expanded into a comprehensive coach-development framework. The focus is on knowledge-sharing and providing practical, hands-on learning to community coaches.
Through a blend of classroom theory and on-pitch practicals, the participating coaches were equipped with the tools and confidence to create football environments that are:
- Safe: Ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of players.
- Inclusive: Making the sport accessible to all children regardless of background.
- Enjoyable: Fostering a love for the game to encourage long-term participation.
A Legacy of Investment in India
This Mumbai event follows the inaugural edition of the NEXTGEN Coach programme held in Goa in May 2026. It is part of a massive, nearly two-decade-long commitment by the Premier League to the Indian sporting landscape.
The scale of this investment is impressive:
- Over 7,500 coaches, referees, and educators have been supported.
- More than 164,000 young people across 18 states have benefited.
- The establishment of a dedicated India office in Mumbai in April 2025 to better engage with the local football ecosystem.
"Supporting grassroots football is a key part of the Premier League’s work in India. The NEXTGEN Coach programme brings our coaching expertise directly to local coaches, helping them develop young players and strengthen the game in their communities," said Hrishikesh Shende, Managing Director of Premier League India.
The NEXTGEN Football Festival
The four-day event culminated in a vibrant NEXTGEN Football Festival. This showcase allowed the newly trained coaches to put their skills into immediate practice, leading sessions for over 80 students from the OSCAR Foundation, aged between 10 and 14 years.
Adding to the prestige of the event, the iconic Premier League Trophy was on display, drawing inspiration from the young athletes and their mentors.
High-Profile International Support
The event also served as a diplomatic bridge, attended by a high-level UK delegation as part of an inaugural trade mission. Among the guests were:
- Jonathan Reynolds: UK Secretary of State for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade.
- Kim McGuinness: Mayor of the North East.
- Bev Craig: Mayor of Greater Manchester.
- Steve Rotheram: Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.
The delegation represented the "Great North" region of the UK, which is the heartland for more than a third of the Premier League's clubs. Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds praised the initiative, noting that the League is one of the UK's greatest exports and a prime example of how British expertise can create a positive global impact.
Mayor Kim McGuinness emphasized the emotional connection, stating that football serves as a powerful bridge between the UK and India, connecting people through a shared passion that transcends borders and builds lasting international partnerships.