Interview of Paul Shipwright-Head of Arsenal FC’s Soccer Schools

Paul Shipwright, head of top English football club Arsenal FC’s soccer schools was in the city to launch the 4th edition of the Tata Tea Jaagore Soccer Stars Tournament. Briefing the media at The Park Hotel in New Delhi about Tata Tea’s venture, which is to kick start in Mumbai on December 13, he took a little time off from his busy schedule and had a chat with Babua Biswas.


How has been your association with Tata Tea Jaagore Soccer Stars?
I have been with them since the last three years. It’s fantastic to be associated with an organization which works to unearth true talent from round the corners of such a huge country. The challenge to find the right group of players from such a large talent pool wanting to make it big is huge. I am really proud to be associated with an organization working for such a good cause. More corporate should come forward and do things like this.


Does this initiative end with the boys’ participation in The Arsenal International Soccer Festival? What happens to them after returning to India?
No...Our association with the boys doesn’t end with their London trip. On returning to India we try to place them in different clubs and academies like TFA and DDA Soccer School so that they don’t ship away. Our organization remains in constant touch with them. We often get enquiries about our boys from many club coaches. However I wish we could have trained them the Arsenal way for 2 to 3 more years.

What’s the reason behind not training them the Arsenal way for 2 to 3 more years?
Both the Arsenal and Tata Tea management are working on it. In future we hope to incorporate the selected players into our own Soccer Schools and give them proper training and develop them. Right now we are in no position to take them into our Academies for various reasons.


And what is this Arsenal way of training?
(Laughs) There is not much difference in the training regime of all the soccer schools. In Arsenal Soccer School we don’t try to change the kids’ style of playing. We rather built on their strength. We rectify them if their approach is wrong. Moreover making them mentally strong is one area where I would say Arsenal Soccer schools are different.

Any plan of Arsenal opening a Soccer Academy here in India?
(Smile) I don’t know about that. That’s not my department. But looking at the way we are expanding our Soccer Schools, hopefully India might have one soon. It will be a good investment owing to the large talent pool.



Having been associated with TATA Tea Jaagore Soccer Star for quiet sometime now, you would be having fair idea about Indian kids. What is your impression about them?
Kids here are really a talented bunch. They have got the stamina, the skills, the power and the desire to make it big. It’s just the grooming and proper infrastructure that is lacking. Make the infrastructure and proper training facilities available to them and see where they take Indian Football.

Having seen kids from various countries, do you fine any difference in the level of commitment and dedication between Indian Kids and Kids back home in UK?
No… I don’t see much difference. Infact kids here are more dedicated and committed. They work hard and always give their cent percent. I am absolutely delighted to train and coach them. They are such genuine people.

So when do you think is the right time for kids to start training?
As soon as they can walk. They need not be put through strict training regime then but gradually introduce them to the game by making them wear boots and run around with a football. And training should start by the age of 4-5 years so that they can play at the highest level by the age of 17 or 18 years. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the best examples. They became popular as a teenager.

Coming to Indian Football aren’t you surprise to find a single footballer of international level in a country of billion?
Yes absolutely. I am really surprise. I just can’t think of it. I think your Cricket governing body should take over the football also. (Laugh)

Is India progressing in the right direction under Bob Haughton?
There is no doubt about it. Bob is an experience coach with a great vision. He knows what he does and he does it in his own style. He is the man for India at the moment. He has been around for quiet sometime now and so he understands Indian Football best.

What more can be done to take Indian Football to the next level?
Indian Football still has a long way to go. Firstly world class infrastructure needs to be built. Clubs should take the responsibility of developing young players. Corporates should come forward and take the initiative. Appoint good coaches to train kids from grass root level. Make facilities available to everyone aspiring to play. If this can be done now then India surely will do well in the coming 15-20 years.

Lastly you‘ll be aware of Blackburn Rovers coming into Indian hands, can such take over eventually help Indian Football?
Yes it will to an extent help in popularizing the game. They can bring in coaches here to train aspiring footballers. But it will not help India rise as a footballing nation. What needs to be done is to stress on youth development as India needs to realize that short term goals are short live. The only way to rise is to develop youths for the future.