Panaji (Goa), India, April 17 (ANI): For the first time in Indian football history, coaches from an England-based soccer team have been involved in developing local talent. Norwich City FC they brought their global experience to the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 National Finals held in Goa as part of the 'Dream Again' program. Dream Sports Foundation The seven-day U-17 football competition also included four specialized workshops addressing different areas of football development, as stated in an official statement. Dream Sports Foundation .
The comprehensive program included sessions on leadership in coaching, physical and medical training, as well as development for coaches and supporting staff, all led by head coaches and physiotherapists from Norwich City. During this week-long event, the workshops offered Indian coaches an extensive opportunity for professional growth.
The leadership and coaching sessions gave them practical know-how and player management techniques vital for achieving team goals. Conducted by Norwich City’s physiotherapist, the physical and medical workshops offered key information about preventing injuries, following rehab procedures, and keeping players fit, particularly for younger talents still growing. The section dedicated to enhancing coaches and staff emphasized crafting enduring training plans and fostering a supportive atmosphere among teammates inside the locker room.
In addition to the coaches' workshop, a special Goalkeeper's Masterclass was held exclusively for the young goalkeepers from both the participating boys’ and girls’ teams. The session was led by an ex-Indian national team goalkeeper. Subrata Paul alongside Joe Shulberg , Norwich City’s Academy Supervisor and ex-goalminder.
"It was both heartening and profoundly inspirational to see dedicated young goalkeepers from every part of India unite," stated Paul, according to a statement released by them. Dream Sports Foundation .
"These young talents came together as a close-knit family within mere days, offering support, encouragement, and motivation for one another to excel," he mentioned.
Paul stressed that programs such as Dream Again go further than mere technical instruction: "This initiative isn’t solely focused on imparting goalkeeper skills; rather, it aims at fostering robust mental fortitude, brave spirits, and an intense passion for football."
Shulberg's dynamic method struck a chord with the young goalkeepers as he imparted knowledge gained from his time in English football.
"Expose yourself to as many difficult situations as you can. Embrace the pressure," recommended Shulberg.
He emphasized, 'Push yourself harder during training than you would during the actual game; as a result, the game will become simpler.'
The manager of the Norwich City Academy also promoted versatility in developing young athletes, stating, "It’s important to play various sports from an early age, specifically between the ages of 9 and 16."
Recounting his personal story, Shulberg shared how he switched positions from an outfield player to a goalkeeper at 13 years old, which eventually led him to be noticed by Nottingham Forest. This highlights how mentorship and chance encounters can reshape a talented youngster’s career trajectory.
The workshops showcased how the Dream Again initiative is fostering significant links between global football experience and India’s rising talents, offering motivation and hands-on learning that goes far beyond the scope of just the competition. (ANI)
