The Premier League conducted the second edition of its NEXTGEN Coach programme in Mumbai from October 10 to 13, bringing together 34 coaches from the OSCAR Foundation for a four-day development event at the Cooperage Football Ground.
The programme was delivered by the Premier League’s international community coaches, supported by Indian coach educators who are alumni of the Premier League Primary Stars programme. This edition follows the inaugural NEXTGEN Coach programme held in Goa in May 2026 and builds on the Premier League’s ongoing commitment to nurturing grassroots football in India.
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Initially a tournament featuring Premier League Academy sides and Indian youth teams, the NEXTGEN initiative now includes a coach-development programme aimed at knowledge-sharing and providing practical learning experiences to local community coaches. Through classroom sessions and on-pitch training, participants enhance their ability to deliver football that is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for young people in their communities.
The programme is part of the Premier League’s
The programme is part of the Premier League’s broader community football efforts in India, spanning nearly two decades. The organisation has supported more than 7,500 coaches, referees, and educators, benefiting over 164,000 young people across 18 states. In April 2025, the Premier League established its India office in Mumbai to strengthen engagement with the football ecosystem through coach development and community initiatives.
The activities in Mumbai concluded with a NEXTGEN Football Festival, where over 80 students aged 10 to 14 from the OSCAR Foundation participated in sessions led by the coaches, applying the skills and knowledge gained during the programme.
Premier League India Managing Director Hrishikesh Shende stated, “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. By investing in local coaches, we can create far greater impact on the quality of football coaching available to young people across India.”
The Premier League Trophy was displayed during
The Premier League Trophy was displayed during the festival, which was attended by UK Secretary of State for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, alongside members of the Great North delegation. The delegation included Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East; Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester; and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region. They were in India as part of their inaugural trade mission. The delegation represents the Northern region of the UK, home to more than a third of Premier League clubs.
Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds remarked, “It was fantastic to see firsthand the impact the Premier League’s work is having in India, helping local coaches develop their skills and giving young people the chance to enjoy the game we all love. The League is one of our greatest exports and is a powerful example of how UK expertise can make a difference across the world.”
Kim McGuinness said, “Football is a powerful bridge between our two nations, connecting people through a shared passion that reaches across borders. In the North, football is woven into our identity. Our clubs carry the pride of our communities onto the global stage, showing the world who we are and giving millions of fans in India a connection to our places and our people. Our Great North mission is about taking that pride and ambition out into the world and building lasting partnerships with India. Through NEXTGEN Coach, that connection can create opportunities for young people, strengthen communities and bring our two nations closer together.”
Bev Craig added, When I go to new
Bev Craig added, “When I go to new places representing Greater Manchester, people always talk to me about football. I’m proud that we’re not only home to two of the world’s biggest football clubs, but also to proud local teams and a thriving grassroots game too. It was fantastic to come and learn about this project first-hand and see such great enthusiasm from young people and their coaches. Our mission to India is about strengthening our ties in sport and culture as well as finding new trade and investment opportunities which create jobs in Greater Manchester. Football is such a massive part of who we are in the North of England – and as I saw today, it’s clearly a part of our identity we share with India.”
Steve Rotheram stated, “Anyone who knows the Liverpool City Region knows what football means to us. We’re home to some of the biggest clubs in the world, but the game’s about far more than what happens on the pitch on a Saturday afternoon. It can give young people confidence, bring communities together and open doors that might otherwise have stayed closed. That’s why the work the Premier League is doing with grassroots coaches in India is so valuable. We’re out here to build stronger relationships between our region and India, and football has a big part to play in that. Whether it’s creating opportunities for young people, helping coaches develop their skills and inspire the next generation, or just bringing supporters together, the game has a special way of connecting people across borders.”
Source: thenewsmill.com
