Scouting players early is important, says Chennaiyin FC coach Owen Coyle

CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle has said that scouting players at a young age is critical and that tournaments like the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) are much-needed as they provide a platform for youngsters to climb the ladder in Indian football.

The RFDL 2024-25 season kicked off in Goa on Monday and features 54 teams, including sides from Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League clubs.

It is to be remembered that some youngsters who are currently playing in the ISL – N Sivasakthi, Naorem Roshan Singh (both Bengaluru FC), Vibin Mohanan and Mohammed Aimen (both Kerala Blasters FC) – had competed in the RFDL before rising through the ranks.

“With the population of India, I think that we have huge potential in football, especially at the youth level. Initiatives like the RFDL are the need of the hour to provide a much-deserved platform and opportunity for talented players,” said 58-year-old Coyle, who is into his fifth season in Indian football (first being 2019-20).

“While the ISL is doing its part for the senior teams, I think that we must catch these talented players at a young age, provide them with the right kind of opportunities and enable them to make their way into the India national team,” added Coyle.

A few months ago, Coyle had spoken about the importance of clubs producing and developing home-grown talent. “There is talent in India, there is no doubt about it. There should be more investment at the grassroot level; it is not about getting players when they are 16 or 17 years old. Players will have to be spotted at eight or nine,” Coyle had said.

“I need to find a pathway for young players coming through (via the CFC development team). Nothing will please me more than getting young players from Tamil Nadu. That is important… you have them playing for Chennaiyin and TN. It will be great and amazing for everybody. It will also help associate better with the fans,” Coyle added.