Aparup Futsal School Partners with Spain’s LNFS to Launch School Futsal Development League in Bengal

The Aparup Futsal School has taken a significant step in Indian grassroots futsal by launching the School Futsal Development League in Bengal — a collaborative initiative with Spain’s prestigious Liga Nacional de Fútbol Sala (LNFS).

Announcing the project, Javier Lozano, President of the LNFS, praised the effort, describing it as “an impressive and inclusive project,” and commended the vision of Aparup Chakraborty, founder of the league and widely known in the community as “The Futsal Man” and “our sole representative in India.”

“Introducing AIFF Blue Cubs in the futsal format and engaging over 100+ government schools to build a futsal ecosystem for over 100,000 children — all free of charge — is highly commendable,” Lozano said.

The league is spearheaded by Aparup Chakraborty, who also serves as an AIFF Match Commissioner and a member of the IFA Futsal Committee. Active in Bengal’s grassroots futsal scene since 2014, he emphasized that the aim is to bring structured futsal access to remote areas.

“We’re introducing AIFF Blue Cubs in futsal format absolutely free so that children aged 8 to 12, especially in under-resourced districts, can participate. With IFA’s approval, this league gives talented kids a clear development pathway,” said Chakraborty.

The program has received technical support from Joshuah Vaz, current coach of India’s national futsal teams (men’s and women’s), who joins as the league’s technical consultant.

“Despite limited resources and infrastructural hurdles, Aparup has worked selflessly to grow futsal in India. Through this initiative, AIFF Blue Cubs will gain a new identity in districts across Bengal,” Vaz noted.

Joshuah Vaz: India National Futsal Team Head Coach joins Aparup Futsal School as Technical head at the Train the Trainers workshop.

Two-Phase Program Structure:

Phase 1: AIFF Blue Cubs – Futsal Format

• Intra-School League: League-style matches within each school based on AIFF specifications
• Knockout Rounds: Inter-school competitions to promote competitive play
• Talent Identification: Player evaluations using physical scouts and football analytics

Phase 2: Elite Development via Aparup LNFS Futsal School

• Top 25 players from each school selected for elite U13 squads
• Further training and exposure through professional partnerships

Talent Pathway and Club Partnerships

The initiative also includes scouting opportunities for U13 and U15 players via a collaboration with IKF (Indian Scouting Platform). Top talents will be connected to youth academies and senior teams in the AIFF and state youth leagues. Confirmed partnerships include Bhawanipore FC, I-League clubs, and AIFF Futsal champions Minerva Academy.

Voices of Support:

Subrata Dutta, Chairman of IFA:

“Aparup’s work is original and impactful. IFA will actively support the initiative by sending scouts to matches.”

Srinjoy Bose, Former General Secretary, Mohun Bagan:

“This project has real potential to influence grassroots football development in India.”

Chandan Roy Chowdhury, President, Bengal Olympic Association:

“Aparup is a dedicated foot soldier for futsal. Should the sport become an Olympic discipline, leaders like him will be essential.”

Chandi Charan Samanta, District Head Coordinator, Midnapore:

“We’ve already trained 50 PE teachers. Our goal is to implement AIFF Blue Cubs across 100 schools, as Aparup envisions.”

This initiative marks a new chapter in India’s futsal development — one that prioritizes access, structure, and the holistic growth of young players. With the backing of national bodies and the endorsement of LNFS, the Aparup Futsal School’s project stands as a model for grassroots engagement through futsal.

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Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

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