The AIFF Elite Academy was the elite academy of the regional AIFF affiliated football academies. Founded on 1 February 2013, the Elite Academy started as a youth development project between the AIFF and FIFA.[1] The Elite Academy is the final frontier for players who train at the AIFF regional academies in various parts of India.
In September 2011, it was announced that both All India Football Federation and FIFA would work together to set up various regional academies and one elite academy in India with the goal of developing youth footballers in the country.[2] The first phase was starting of regional academies in Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Sikkim.[2] The second phase saw Chennai, Chandigarh, and Kerala getting academies by March 2013. Each academy consisted of 30-35 under-14 players who would eventually develop to the further youth stages.[2]
Bangalore, Kolkata, and Delhi regional academies delayed while the Mumbai Academy was started with future India U23 coach, Arthur Papas.[3] The reason given for the delay was due to the rampant age-cheating during trials for the regional academies. Of the 120 players selected after playing in the Subroto Cup and other youth competitions, 84 were found to be over-aged and not even acceptable for the under-16 category.[3]
Eventually, the AIFF Elite Academy was launched in 2013.[1] It was gradually integrated in the Indian Arrows.
