With love from Iran

On an insipid Saturday morning in the Capital, Jamshed Nasiri's tiring eyes (he is on a whirlwind tour of the country) lit up after watching young footballers from Capital's renowned schools turn up in expensive jerseys and kits. But Nasiri isn't so surprised. After all, most of these participating teams are from Capital's renowned private schools.

"Watch this boy," he points to a Air Force School player. "Watch his ball control. He is a very skillful player who made it to the Arsenal last year," he added.

A trip to Arsenal is a dream which every young footballer will look forward to. And Nasiri was here to spot talents (only 3-4 players per city) find a place in the final 30 which will be pruned to 16 before making it to Arsenal to represent India.

This former East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting star talks about developing a football culture in India. He doesn't even mind working with youngsters. "I can tell you there are good talent in the country. We only need to spot and groom them. Tata Tea-Arsenal venture is only a modest effort to promote these players," he shares his experience as a spotter.

But when told that in cities like Delhi, kids from affluent families play soccer just for status symbol, Nasiri smiles. "At the Sir Dukhiram coaching centre on the Maidan in Kolkata, I know small kids who play with tattered boots. They eat only chana. Still they are so passionate about football," he draws a comparison between the two different socio-economic conditions.

After having played the game at top level, Nasiri explains why seven-a-side game should be strictly adhered to. "In a full-team game, players waste time. But seven-a-side or five-a-side events keep players busy because speed and skill are vital," he said.

But will this abridged format mar the very essence of the game? "No," says Nasiri, adding, "For such games, one needs more skill and speed, which is good for competition."

Besides keeping a tab on the teams' performances, Nasiri doesn't forget to talk about Delhi football. "Capital's football is better now than what I saw during my playing days. Atleast ND Heroes, Indian Nationals and Simla Youngs are trying to introduce professionalism," he said.

"If India is to reinstate its status as Asian power once again, it needs to focus on the talented players at the grassroot level," comes the suggestion from this Iranian who now takes his caravan to Lucknow, Chandigarh and other cities before selecting 30players for a session with Arsenal coaches.

(In New Delhi, 2009)