It was a typical weekend outing with his son that ignited Girish Mathrubootham’s passion for football and led him to dream bigger. However, it wasn’t the muddy, grassless ground in Chennai’s Adyar that impressed him, but the vast difference in facilities available to young players in the US when he traveled there for work. Witnessing the disparity, Mathrubootham realized the vast potential India held in terms of football talent. This belief was further strengthened when he attended a children’s football match at the Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering and observed the immense skill and dedication displayed by the kids, along with the unwavering support of their parents. This inspiration drove him to build a world-class football academy that would cater to budding talent in India and help them unlock their true potential.
The passion for football that ignited within Mathrubootham’s soul led to the birth of a state-of-the-art football academy in Mahabalipuram, worth an impressive Rs 100 crore. Christened the Home of FC Madras, this fine establishment not only seeks to hone the skills of existing football prodigies but also aspires to create world-renowned footballers hailing from the heart of Madras. As Mr. Mathrubootham stated, the academy was founded to nurture the immense potential of Indian footballers and provide the necessary infrastructure for them to thrive. Spanning 23 acres of pure excellence, the facility itself adheres to the esteemed standards of FIFA, AIFF, and AFC, ensuring that the aspiring footballers who enter its gates can achieve the internationally recognized success they dream of. In addition, the academy’s logo, which features the swift and nimble palm squirrel, symbolizes the core qualities that the institution aims to cultivate within its athletes: agility, strength, and vision. It is evident that Mathrubootham has spared no effort in shaping the future of Indian football, even utilizing top-of-the-range technologies like the ChatGPT generative AI platform to help name the various sections of this monumental academy.
The inspiration behind the selection of the palm squirrel as the emblematic animal for the academy perfectly represents both the uniqueness of the country and the spirit of the players. It was through the ingenuity of the designer and the use of cutting-edge technology like ChatGPT that Mathrubootham was able to conceptualize a series of squirrel-themed hostels and cafes in the facility. The establishment boasts southeast Asia’s first hybrid pitch, catering to sport enthusiasts by providing top-notch training and state-of-the-art amenities such as a functional strength and conditioning centre, medical and recovery facilities, and a hostel for under-13 and under-15 football aspirants. Furthermore, the academy takes a more holistic approach by embedding the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) curriculum into their alternative learning centre, ensuring that young talents receive not just excellent physical training but a well-rounded education as well. With such impressive offerings, it’s truly an exceptional place for budding athletes to harness their potential.
As an innovative and inclusive academy, our primary mission is to identify and nurture talented young individuals who possess a passion for football. Recognizing the potential in our own backyard, we have tirelessly scouted over 2,000 children from diverse regions across India, selecting the top 50 most promising students. We acknowledge the vital importance of academic education alongside physical training, and so our holistic approach pairs elite football training with essential schooling for the selected students. As part of their comprehensive scholarship, these young athletes will enjoy world-class accommodations, rigorous training sessions, and nutritious meals designed to fuel their growth both on and off the field. With a steadfast focus on preparing future stars to compete at national and international levels, our academy is committed to uncovering and honing the untapped potential of India’s youth, ultimately propelling them towards a brighter future in the realm of football.
Discussing the sustainability of the academy, Mathrubootham shared his thoughts on how the facility can effectively balance offering free training to children while maintaining its operations. He estimates that it would require approximately $1 million per year to keep the facility running smoothly. To achieve this, Mathrubootham plans to establish the FC Madras Charitable Trust, where donations will qualify for tax deductions under section 80 G of the Income Tax Act. Additionally, the academy intends to generate supplementary income by conducting summer camps, weekend programs, and by extending its offerings to corporate groups for team off-sites. Through these diverse yet complementary sources of revenue, Mathrubootham believes that the facility can continue to provide life-changing opportunities for young athletes.
The world of Indian football is abuzz with excitement as Abhishek Yadav, a renowned figure in the sport, takes the reins as the CEO of FC Madras. Having held prestigious positions such as the Deputy General Secretary of the All India Football Federation, and leading the national football team as its captain, Yadav’s expertise and passion for the sport make him the perfect fit for this role. Joining him in the pursuit of elevating Indian football is Venkatesh Shanmugam, another celebrated former team captain, who has been entrusted with the crucial position of Technical Director. The duo is accompanied by CN Narayana, serving as the Director of Education and Life Skills, bringing a holistic approach to the development of the players. In a strategic move, Dhananjai CKM, a skilled operative in the world of sports management and governance, and current head of the data and performance division of Mumbai Indians, has been appointed as the Director of Sports and Governance. This formidable combination of industry leaders is bound to usher in a remarkable era of growth and accomplishment for FC Madras and Indian football as a whole.
