Coach Andy Hooks Visit Ignites Football Passion in India
Posted by India - 24/09/2008
International Coach, Andy Hooks landed in India this month to strike up some passion and increase the slum football program across the country. The aim of Andy’s visit was to train Indian Slum footballers and to increase the popularity of football in Central India. This was the first time an International Coach had ever visited central India and was extremely well received from the media and the schools and other programs Andy visited.
After receiving the Indian welcome when Andy landed at the B.R Ambedkar International airport, he was off and running and ready to get in the midst of the action.
From the 1st of September to the 12th of September Andy paid visits to various schools, colleges and clubs. It also included evening sessions for local football coaches to receive hands on training experience. Due to the continuous media coverage of the program, the number of participants grew everyday. Even on the very last day of the coaching program there were more participants turning up.
During Andy’s training sessions he worked on developing skills with his unique coaching style. His enthusiasm rubbed off on the players and from day one there was a vast improvement in their football technique. At any one time Andy took 80 students for training and trained girls from tribal areas that had never even touched a ball. His patience and persistence with the players really paid off, with all players becoming well trained and confident in handling the ball.
Since, Andy’s visit there has been an immediate effect and a visible increase in number of players that attend regular practice sessions at their respective schools. We would like to thank Andy and hope that the enthusiasm of players continues to grow within the communities that Andy visited.
