Once Diego Maradona's club, Boca Juniors launches football school in India

The club synonymous with the legendary Diego Maradona's ascent to the zenith of world football, Boca Juniors, on Wednesday entered Indian shores by launching its academy in Bangalore.

The Argentine club, one of the most successful in the world, was once home to Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta and Carlos Tevez.

This will be the first time that a Latin American club will be launching a round-the-year football school in India.

Boca Juniors chairman, Daniel Angelici was excited to bring the Argentinean style of football to India.

"We are thrilled to bring the Boca Juniors Football School to India. Football is growing in popularity in India year by year and we strongly believe we can play a role in developing the sport," Angelici said.

"As a country, India not only has a wealth of young talented children who are extremely passionate about football, but a genuine desire to learn and apply new skills and knowledge.

"This is great for the country and for the game. Our style of football is completely different to the rest of the world and we hope to pass this on to the young generation here," he added.

Boca Juniors plan to take the BJFSI around the country with the first school being launched in Bangalore. BJFSI will run the football school on an ongoing basis round the year and provide progressive training to the students through weekly classes following Boca Juniors methodology.

All these classes would be administered by coaches from Boca Juniors. Additionally, there will be periodic football camps, customised school camps and corporate training & events.

"It needs to be positive, inclusive, structured and above all create a fun in safe learning environment in order to nurture young talent and help players exceed their potential."