Premier League successfully hosted the inaugural edition of its NEXTGEN Coach Programme in Goa from May 10 to 13, 2026, marking another major step in its long-term commitment towards developing grassroots football in India.
The four-day programme brought together more than 30 coaches from the OSCAR Foundation for a series of classroom sessions and practical on-pitch workshops focused on the Premier League’s internationally recognised coaching methodologies. The sessions were conducted by international community coaches from the Premier League alongside experienced Indian coaches who are part of the League’s in-country delivery team.
The initiative aims to empower community coaches with the skills, confidence and leadership required to deliver safe, inclusive and engaging football sessions for young people. Through this programme, the Premier League hopes to make quality football coaching more accessible while encouraging youth development through sport.
The NEXTGEN initiative originally began as a youth football tournament that provided Indian players with opportunities to compete against Premier League academy teams. Over time, the initiative evolved into a broader coach education programme focused on sustainable grassroots football development and community engagement.
The programme also marks one year since the Premier League opened its India office in Mumbai in April 2025. The office was established to deepen the League’s long-term engagement with India’s football ecosystem through coach education, youth programmes and community development initiatives.
Speaking about the initiative, Premier League India Managing Director Hrishikesh Shende said that the League’s dedicated India presence reflects its commitment to supporting football development in a meaningful and sustainable way. He emphasised that empowering local coaches would help create lasting impact within communities and make football more accessible to young people across the country.
The Goa workshop also built on the momentum generated through earlier Premier League initiatives including Premier Skills and Premier League Primary Stars, delivered in partnership with the British Council. Over nearly two decades, the partnership has supported more than 7,500 coaches, referees and educators across 18 Indian states, benefitting over 164,000 young people.
Indian alumni coach Shekhar Kerkar highlighted the importance of programmes such as NEXTGEN Coach in creating positive social impact through football. He shared that his own journey with the Premier League had helped him understand how football can influence young lives in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The NEXTGEN Coach Programme in Goa reflects the growing focus on grassroots football and community-driven sports development in India. By investing in local coaches and youth engagement, the Premier League continues to strengthen its role in supporting the future of Indian football.
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