Panaji (Goa), India, April 17 (ANI): For the first time in Indian football history, coaches from an English club have been brought in to develop local talent. Norwich City FC they brought their global experience to the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 National Finals held in Goa. This event was part of the 'Dream Again' program initiated by Dream Sports Foundation , the week-long U-17 football tournament also featured four specialised workshops covering various aspects of football development, according to a release from Dream Sports Foundation .

The all-encompassing program included sessions on leadership in coaching, physical and medical training, as well as development for coaches and supporting staff, conducted by head coaches and physiotherapists from Norwich City. Over the course of the seven-day competition, these workshops offered Indian coaches an extensive opportunity for professional growth.

The leadership and coaching sessions gave them practical know-how and player management techniques vital for team achievement. Conducted by Norwich City’s physiotherapist, the physical and medical workshops offered key understanding of injury prevention, recovery procedures, and keeping players fit—particularly beneficial for younger talents. The section dedicated to enhancing coaches and staff emphasized crafting enduring training plans and fostering a supportive atmosphere among teammates inside the locker room.

In addition to the coaches' workshop, a specialized Goalkeeper's Masterclass was organized exclusively for the young goalkeepers from both the participating boys’ and girls’ teams. The session was led by an ex-Indian national team goalkeeper. Subrata Paul alongside Joe Shulberg , Norwich City’s Academy Supervisor and ex-goalminder.

“It was both heartening and profoundly inspirational to see enthusiastic goalkeepers from every part of India unite,” stated Paul, according to a statement released by them. Dream Sports Foundation .

"In mere days, these gifted young individuals formed a familial bond, offering support, encouragement, and motivation for one another to excel," he remarked.

Paul stressed that programs such as Dream Again go further than mere technical training, stating, "This initiative isn’t solely focused on imparting goalkeeper skills; it’s also dedicated to fostering resilient minds, brave hearts, and a profound passion for football."

Shulberg's dynamic method struck a chord with the young goalkeepers as he imparted knowledge gained from his time in English football.

"Expose yourself to as many difficult situations as you can. Embrace the pressure," recommended Shulberg.

He emphasized, 'Push yourself harder during training than you would during the actual game; this makes the game simpler.'

The Norwich City Academy Manager similarly emphasized the importance of adaptability in nurturing young talents, stating, "It’s crucial to engage in various sports consistently from an early age, specifically when children are between 9 and 16 years old."

Recounting his personal story, Shulberg shared how he shifted from playing as an outfielder to becoming a goalkeeper when he was just 13 years old. This change occurred before he caught the attention of Nottingham Forest, highlighting how proper mentorship and chances can reshape a budding athlete’s career trajectory.

The workshops demonstrated how the Dream Again initiative is fostering significant links between global football experience and India’s rising talents, offering motivation and hands-on insight that goes far beyond the scope of the event itself. (ANI)