Thamizhan FC launched, focus on grassroots football

The club will begin scouting for various levels of the AIFF Youth League from May 10, with scouting also being done for the women's team which will play in the national league.

Imran Khan (center) along with his technical committee and his board members at the launch of Thamizhan FC's logo.

With an idea of making a mark at the grassroots level and women’s league possibly next year, Thamizhan Football Club launched its logo on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media, Imran Khan, founder of the club, said his first priority is to scout for talent for the AIFF Youth League in boys’ U-13, 15 and 18 categories and for women aged between 16 and 23 for the national league. The scouting will begin on May 10 and conclude on June 6.

Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Tirunelveli, Madurai and Neyveil will be the venues for the initial trials while the final selection has been slated to be held in Neyveli on June 1 and 2 followed by fitness and medical tests from June 3 to 6.

“We are also in talks with foreign clubs and with international coaches who will come and train our players,” said Imran.

C.K. Kumaravel, president of the club, said the club is keen to unearth talent from smaller towns. "State-of-the-art technology will be used to develop talent," said Shajita Rahman, the CEO.

Prominent players including Dharmaraj Ravanan, S. Nandhakumar and Pradeep Mohanraj graced the occasion.