AIFF are looking to improve cerebral palsy football in the nation ©AIFF

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is working with the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) by organising a webinar discussing grassroots football.

This online discussion also saw members from the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) in attendance at the event on August 8.

Some of those included CPSFI President Rajesh Tomar, CPSFI chief executive Kavita Suresh, IFCPF chief executive and secretary general Sam Turner and IFCPF technical director Tom Langen.

FIFA regional technical consultant for South Asia, Chokey Nima, was also there.

Cerebral palsy representatives were in attendance from nations such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Tomar thanked the AIFF for its help with CPSFI in promoting grassroots football.

"The AIFF has been very kind to support us through the movement," said Tomar.

"In the journey, I reached out to Kushal Das {General Secretary, AIFF} and since then, we have met quite a few times. 

"CPSFI is working closely with the AIFF, who have already assured us all sorts of technical support including logistics, coaching, training, equipment etc."

Cerebral palsy football is often played as a seven-a-side game ©IFCPF
Cerebral palsy football is often played as a seven-a-side game ©IFCPF

This webinar showed an online grassroots development programme to encourage young football players across India to participate in the sport.

The themes of "My Football", "My Skills" and "My Training" all share videos and activities for the players to watch and allow them to share their own photos and videos of themselves in action.

"The intention to promote grassroots football amongst the less privileged kids is our priority," added Nima.

"It falls under the domain of the AIFF and FIFA. 

"We will work towards achieving the target. It's wonderful to be a part of this project."

This programme went live on August 15 in line with India's national independence day.