Change of approach required in Subroto Cup

When the Subroto Cup started in 1960, it was the first ever competition for school teams in India. In 1960 it was confined to schools from Delhi and neighbouring states. It gradually expanded and by the 1980s played a pivotal role in showcasing football talent from the North- east region.

St Anthony’s High School, Shillong, in 1978 and Ibemcha Higher Secondary School of Manipur in 1979 were the first teams from their respective states to annex the Subroto Cup.

Through the years the tournament expanded sensibly, introducing prize money, starting a sub junior ( U- 14 years) section in 1998 and a junior girls tournament in 2011. School teams now stay in hotels instead of camps.

However, the most startling innovation was in its 56th edition in 2015. It is now the Subroto Cup international football tournament.

The academy teams of ILeague clubs Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Pune FC and Bengaluru FC, and the All India Football Federation U- 17 squad took part. Teams from Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sweden participated. Squads from Brazil, Oman, Ukraine and South Korea were also expected but with- drew for various reasons.

Thus the 56th Subroto Cup provided valuable exposure to the AIFF squad during their matches against BK Hakken of Sweden and the Sports School, Ragunan ( Indonesia) in the quarterfinals and semi- finals, respectively.

The exuberant AIFF squad struggled in the first half against the sliding tackles and body play of the taller and stronger Swedish players. They conceded pos- session easily. It was only in the second half when the ball retention was quicker did they dominate and win 2- 1.

AIFF coach Floyd Pinto from Mumbai said they wanted more foreign teams in the Subroto Cup as their players could get more exposure to different styles of play.

Scott O’ Donnell, the technical director of AIFF has always said that finding competitive matches for their age- group academy teams is a herculean task.

However by inviting so many academy teams and the national team, the Subroto Cup’s original purpose, exposure to school teams is getting subverted. The final was lopsided as the AIFF, U- 17 team despite conceding an early goal trounced Little Angels Paradise School, Manipur, 4- 1. It is not a level playing field as a school team with limited resources has to compete against teams which choose talented players from all over the country.

A change in approach is required, which the Subroto Cup organisers should consider, as with 27 sponsors money is not a major issue. It would be best if there are two categories for the Subroto Cup U- 17 tournament.

Initially it should be held only for school teams from all over India. After this final, the Subroto Cup international academy tournament could start. In this competition, the AIFF U- 17, the Tata Football Academy and Chandigarh Football Academy squads and those of various I- league clubs along with some teams from foreign countries can participate.

It can be a short duration event, with about eight to 12 teams divided into equal groups. There should be at least one foreign team in each group so that Indian players get international exposure.

Despite increased costs, the competitions will be more intense, which will benefit Indian football in the long run.