Richard Hood

After more than a decade of the term first being used India continues to be identified as the ‘Sleeping Giant’ of world football and rightfully so. I would align this label to the state of our player development system as one of the key factors holding us back in Asian football.

To challenge this status quo India has many years to go in the catch up game and contributing to that chase by enhancing my professional identity and more importantly  improving my understanding of how the game works at the absolute highest level in order to identify what is applicable in the Indian game environment is the biggest motivation to commit to the High Performance in Football Coaching.

The design and structure of the course is unparalleled and relies on some of the best in the football industry and faculty to deliver the same. There is rare expertise, experience and quality in the professionals who have been entrusted towards preparing the students on how to thrive and succeed in the very competitive world of football.

My education in countries like Scotland, England and Singapore to complete licences such as the UEFA A and Elite Youth Diploma have a played a massive role in professional journey. And, it was time spent in Scotland where I was fortunate to meet many Portuguese coaches and share healthy interactions with them. They exhibited a sense of pride and identity that was easy to relate to. While what stood out about them was their professionalism, attention to detail, command and understanding of the game.

Their personal benchmarks were easy to connect to all of the managers that Portugal exports and an indicator of the fiercely driven Portuguese football culture that produces a high standard players year after year. The opportunity to learn from the nation of super coaches and European Champions right in the heart of where it all started in the Faculty of Human Mechanics at the  University of Lisbon is an opportunity I intend to make the most of.

I count on your course to provide me with the education, knowledge and practical insight to become a better coach and I am certain that my drive and focus to excel in this career will make the most of what you offer.