Baichung Bhutia bats for grassroots revolution through BBFS model

Former Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia has called for a football revolution in India through strong grassroots infrastructure and youth development. Speaking at the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club, Bhutia focused on the urgent need to invest in grassroots programs and highlighted his own initiative, Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS), as a successful example.

Bhutia said the real solution to India’s footballing struggles lies in nurturing young players from the school level. “If we want to see India qualify for major tournaments like the World Cup, we must build the foundation at the grassroots. Players are made from childhood, not in national camps,” he said.

BBFS, founded by Bhutia along with two partners, has grown into the country’s largest private grassroots football program. The academy now has over 70 centers across India, employs 220 qualified coaches, and trains more than 6,000 children daily. Bhutia said this was achieved with no government or federation funding.

“We followed a sustainable model. While 70% of our students are fee-paying, 30% come on 100% scholarship. This helps talented children from low-income families get access to quality football and education,” he said.

Bhutia also announced the setting up of India’s first dedicated football school campus in North Bengal. “Through personal savings and support from friends, I’ve bought land to start a full-fledged residential sports school. It will focus not only on football but on changing how parents and students view sports education,” he said.

The academy also has a strong record of producing professional players. “Over 30 of our academy players have represented India at various levels. Our girls’ residential academy is completely on scholarship and several girls have gone on to play for India’s senior women’s team,” Bhutia said.

He also made a personal appeal to corporates and PSUs to come forward and support such models. “If we can provide scholarships to 5,000 children, I am confident we will see India in the World Cup in the near future,” he said.

Bhutia believes that grassroots football should be encouraged in every district, with regular leagues and tournaments for children. “Kids should get to play competitive matches every weekend, like they do in Europe and South America,” he added.

He also spoke about the need to train coaches in modern football methods. BBFS has helped over 90% of its coaches become licensed, with several now holding A and B licenses.

“When we started, we didn’t have any support. But we believed in the dream. I want to give every child in India the opportunity to dream of playing for the national team,” he said.