Ex-Ireland goalkeeper shapes India’s future football talent

Vadodara: Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper David Forde is lending his experience to India's next generation of footballers, mentoring some of the country's most promising young talent at the STAIRS School Football League (SSFL) National Camp 2026 in Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand.Held at CVM Football Ground, the camp brought together the top 100 players from across India, shortlisted from a pool of over 50,000 participants spanning 12 states and 29 cities — underlining SSFL's scale as one of the country's largest grassroots football scouting initiatives.At the centre of the action is Forde, who is closely mentoring and assessing players, sharing insights drawn from his international career. Emphasizing the importance of mindset, he urged young footballers to stay resilient. "It's a fantastic initiative to see such a large number of young players competing here. Football demands hard work, dedication and mental strength. Even if you are not selected today, come back stronger and more determined," he said.Organised by STAIRS Foundation — a national sports promotion body recognized by the Union sports ministry — the camp is being hosted by CVM Football Club under the aegis of CVM University.Local organizers say the initiative is set to benefit not only students within the CVM ecosystem but also aspiring footballers from the wider Charotar region, creating a stronger local talent pipeline.Officials at CVM University highlighted the significance of hosting an international figure like Forde, noting that such exposure can open new pathways for young players and elevate the region's football ecosystem.Beyond training, the camp also serves as a crucial scouting platform, offering players opportunities to be picked by the STAIRS Football Academy, CVM Football Club and I-League youth academies.With high-performance training aligned to global standards, the camp is focusing not just on skill development but also on building the mental toughness required to compete at higher levels.
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