NEW DELHI, Oct 15 (PTI): The All India Football Federation was today assured of all help by the government as well as FIFA as far as hosting and successful conduct of the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 was concerned.
The world sport was the talk of the town as all the stakeholders got together to discuss the way forward for Indian football, which also witnessed a MoU being signed between AIFF and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) here.
�If India wants to be strong, it is through building football in the country, you have to start from grassroot - U-15, U-17. Holland and Spain also laid a lot of emphasis on youth development. The support of the government is very crucial, they need you to support. It�s a partnership between national association, clubs, government and FIFA,� FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said.
He added: �We support Indian football a lot, we need your support, we are committed to our support to Indian football and the Under-17 World Cup is an example.�
Sports secretary Ajit Sharan too said the government is trying its best to push Indian sports, especially football, forward.
�Through a national sports talent search scheme, young talent will be identified provided specialised training. Initiatives like these will lend strength to the ecosystem, especially football. Sports in India is looking forward,� Sharan said.
Sharan though felt that sports federations should also look beyond the government to generate money.
�Out of 54 recognised federations, no one is making an effort to get money, that�s not fair. There are other resources apart from government.�
