Every season in India is cricket season, but there is one more sport that is growing in popularity in the country, like super fast. We are talking about football. And let’s say, you are a parent and your kid is pretty passionate about football, and you want them to get actual and proper training for the higher levels, then you must look forward to enrolling your kid into a good football academy in the country. And let’s be honest, as of 2024, there is no shortage of good football academies in India. That’s the very reason why we are here with a list of the top 10 famous football academies in India as of 2024. Alright, let’s get to the list then, shall we?
1. Tata Football Academy (TFA)
- Address: Inner Cir Rd, Bistupur, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand 831001
Tata Football Academy is in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, started in 1987 and is one of the top places in India to learn football. If you really want to know which is the most elite place in India to get football training from, well, this is where it’s at. The facilities are of a high standard, and there is a program that helps the players in many ways, which includes sports education and growth in the mental region. They are trained here very well, and some of India’s best footballers, like Renedy Singh and Mahesh Gawli, learned here. That must give you an idea of what level of training you can get from this football academy.
2. Premier Indian Football Academy (PIFA)
- Address: Mcgm Ground, Raheja Vihar, Raheja Vihar Circular Road, Chandivali, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400072
This academy is in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and was started in 2002 by Nirvan and Anjali Shah. Over the years, this academy has become significant in Indian football, but why? Well, that’s for a very particular reason, they network with football academies worldwide and participate in the global football camps that enable the student to learn different playing styles and methods of coaching. In this way, they travel abroad frequently to play, which helps them understand the game better.
3. Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS)
- Address: Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools HQ, Plot No. 382, 3rd Floor, 100 Ft Road, Ghitorni, Delhi, 110030
Named after a famous Indian footballer, Bhaichung Bhutia, these schools are in many cities in India. Since 2010, BBFS has had its hands in making young players into real professionals. Head coach Stevie Grieve brings his experience and modern methods of coaching here. The training here includes technical exercises, learning game tactics, and getting in great physical shape. If you want to get in, you have to just spend a minimum of about ₹3,500 per month, and you’ll be good for the most part..
4. Kolkata Football Academy (KFA)
- Address: Narayanpur, Gopalpur I, Kolkata, West Bengal 700052
In Kolkata, a city known for loving football, Kolkata Football Academy is a key place for young players aiming high. Ever since the establishment of this football academy, the people behind it had just one goal in mind, and that is to just prepare the best footballers in the country. And that’s what they are doing over the years. You see, not anybody can register in this academy, there is an actual selection process, which you have to go through and only then you’ll get to enroll. However, the starting registration fee is a minimum of 10,000 rupees.
5. Indian Tigers Football Academy (ITFA)
- Address: Chakala Rd, Parshiwada, Kajuwadi, Chakala, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, the Indian Tigers Football Academy started in 2008. It has become one of the very best football academies in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The academy desires to provide students with exemplary football training along with their education. The academy works with various coaches from all over the world and follows a very detailed coaching plan with a special focus on skill, understanding the game, and fitness. The academy conducts various training programs and events that not only recognize talent but also enhance it. Our Indian and other country coaches are totally devoted to giving students good coaching along with the right support.
6. JSW Bengaluru FC Academy
- Address: XJ96+8RC, General KS Thimayya Rd, Langford Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
Set up in 2013, JSW Bengaluru FC Academy is a big part of the Bengaluru Football Club. It is known for its professional way of nurturing young footballers. The academy is situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and is recognized by the AIFF while also looking to improve Indian football. It benefits a lot from the strong football culture and the professional approach of the Bengaluru FC senior team. Headed by experienced coaches who apply modern methods of training the players, a special feature of this academy is that they have a residential program initiated by John Kila from the Netherlands in Vijayanagar, Bellary.
7. Shillong Lajong Academy
- Address: Centre Point Building, Khyndailad, Shillong – 793001
Located in Meghalaya, Shillong Lajong Academy is a great place if you’re interested in the exciting football scene of Northeast India. It was founded in the year 2007. It is not only the learning of football skills but also the discipline and sportsmanship that counts. It has helped many players from this region to shine in Indian football over the years. This academy has experienced coaches who have groomed many youngsters during their early years.
8. Reliance Foundation Young Champs
- Address: Project office, RELIANCE CORPORATE PARK, 5, Thane – Belapur Rd, TTC Industrial Area, MIDC Industrial Area, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400701
Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, began in 2015. It sought to change Indian football by providing top-notch training for young, upcoming players. The academy forms part of the larger program for the support of sports and education by the Reliance Foundation. The RFYC has become famous for its detailed training program that entails technical skills, tactics, and fitness training. The academy is also up to date with all the facilities, not to mention the coaches, among them former Indian midfielder Arata Izumi.
9. Minerva Academy
- Address: Todarmal Marg, Civil Lines, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001
Minerva Academy in Mohali, Punjab, was founded by Ranjit Bajaj in 2013. In a very short period of time, Minerva Academy became a popular name in Indian football based on skills development and overall development. The academy was pretty successful in having its players prepared for the U-17 World Cup in 2017. The facilities at Minerva Academy make an excellent breeding ground, which allows the young athlete to optimize their full potential both, on and off the field.
10. Barça Academy India
- Address: Shivaji College Sports Complex, opp. Shivaji College, Shivaji Enclave, Tagore Garden Extension, New Delhi, Delhi 110018
Barça Academy India is a top choice for those looking to train at international standards. It has centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. Skill, teamwork, and smart play are ingrained in young players the “Barça way.” Here, the technical directors of FC Barcelona are responsible for the quality assurance of the training. The academy offers various training courses for all age groups, ensuring that children develop in the right way for higher levels.
Conclusion
All in all, these are by far the best and most popular football academies in the country right now. And we truly hope that with this list, we made things much easier for you, but in the end, it is for you to decide.
