Sudeva Delhi FC and Shonan Bellmare have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further the development of both clubs. Both clubs will participate in player transfers, training support, and a variety of other mutually beneficial activities as part of the MOU.
About the Partnership
Sudeva Delhi FC, the capital’s first football club, is breaking records as it prepares to compete in the Hero I-League in 2020. The virtual announcement of the first-ever alliance of a Japanese football club, ShonanBellmare, with Sudeva Delhi FC highlights the cultural collaboration of the two prominent Asian countries. The term will be valid from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, according to the MOU.
Shonan Bellmare, Japan’s top division league club, made the official announcement at the same time in a press conference attended by about 50 Japanese media outlets.
Mr. Anuj Gupta, President of Sudeva Delhi FC, expresses his excitement about the three-year partnership and the shared vision of ShonanBellmare and Sudeva Delhi FC for the development of grassroots, youth, and senior-level players.
Objective of this Initiative
Sudeva Delhi FC’s goal is to initiate the improvement of players’ performances through a professional setup. Through this collaboration, the club hopes to add and learn better recruitment processes, player diet, and session planning. This would also provide significant exposure for Indian players to travel to Japan and play international-level football.
Mr. Vijay Hakari, Vice President at Sudeva Delhi FC states” “Indian Football is at an infancy stage and there’s still a lot to learn, but Indian football has been open to information & learning.”
He also added: He also highlighted the similarities of genetics, culture & understanding between Japan & India being Asian countries. We’d be able to exchange information much easier & in a much greater manner. It is an Asian alliance that’s happening that will contribute to the alliance of information & understanding of junior football.”
Mr. Naohito Mizutani, President of ShonanBellmare, shares that he has had fewer opportunities to experience Indian football standards in the past, but believes that this association will be enriching and informative.
Upcoming Improvements
It is an Asian alliance, according to Mr. Kiyoshi Sekiguchi, Technical Director at ShonanBellmare. He explains that the club has formed an alliance with India, as well as several other countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines and that it is still looking for more clubs from good football countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. He perceives Indian football to be tough and high-level and thus looks forward to the exchange of experience and skill.
Mr. Chencho Dorji, the Technical Director at Sudeva Delhi FC, who has previously learned in Japan, was also present at the press conference. He describes how the collaboration acts as a bridge to facilitate the exchange of technical expertise as well as players and coaches. He also emphasized the importance of creating a youth curriculum and a sustainable ecosystem for both clubs.
Sudeva Delhi FC is currently broadening its horizons and preparing to enter a Baby League. The Junior Football League will be launched with trials in India’s major football cities, where raw talent aged 8 to 11 years old will be given an opportunity.
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