Bengaluru, August 22nd , 2025: South United Football Club (SUFC) today inaugurated its Residential Academy, the Centre of Excellence, designed to empower young Indian footballers through elite training, academic excellence, and holistic development. Spanning age groups U-13, U-15, and U-17, the Academy offers a high-performance environment that provides a structured pathway to professional football, built on progressive training, holistic player development, and long-term growth. The residential academy will also utilise SUFC sponsor benefits to identify talent from children across the country, with lesser privileged backgrounds, and give them holistic training, education and nutrition. The Academy was inaugurated by Mr. Rizwan Arshad MLA representing the Shivajinagar constituency in the presence of Mr. Sharan Parikh Director at South United Football Club, Mr. Mohammed Rafik CEO at South United Football Club, and Mr. Husein Dohadwalla Co-CEO Crimson Education.

The Residential Academy features FIFA-standard football infrastructure, including 11-a-side, 6-a-side, and 3-a-side turfs, along with floodlit pitches to support evening training and matches. Athlete recovery and conditioning are prioritized through a fully equipped gym, ice baths, steam rooms, a physiotherapy room, and an off-site swimming pool all managed by seasoned professionals. The Academy also features a sports nutritionist-curated diet to ensure optimal nutrition for every player. Comprehensive medical and safety protocols are in place, including tie-ups with leading hospitals for emergency care, on-site first-aid facilities, and 24/7 CCTV surveillance managed by dedicated security personnel.

At South United FC, we nurture aspiring talent and provide a tried and tested pathway for young Indian footballers to reach their potential,” said Mr. Sharan Parikh, Director, South United Football Club. “Our Residential Academy is not just about producing great footballers; it is about building great individuals. Through structured development and community-centered initiatives, we are proud to invest in the future of Indian sport and society. The Residential Academy is designed as an ongoing annual programme, welcoming new batches each year and continually strengthening each player’s growth and development. The Academy’s first cohort has been selected through extensive trials held under the SUFCRA banner, spanning 16+ cities across India. This nationwide effort reflects SUFC’s commitment to identifying talented and dedicated athletes who represent the future of Indian football.”

“Winmore Academy Jakkur, has partnered with South United Football Club to introduce an innovative educational support program for elite student-athletes.” said Mr. Husein Dohadwalla Co-CEO Crimson Education. Under this initiative, promising SUFC players will receive full education scholarships at Winmore, with a customized academic calendar and logistical support that enables seamless integration of high-performance training and scholastic achievement.

“Our approach is professional and personal,” added Mr. Indresh Nagarajan, Programme Head. “Every training session, academic lesson, and mentoring moment is tailored to bring out the best in each athlete. The SUFC Residential Academy reflects our commitment to total player development to include mind, body, and spirit.”

At the heart of SUFC’s coaching philosophy lies Optimized Performance Training (OPT), an advanced framework that combines technical skill development, tactical intelligence, physical conditioning, and mental resilience. Players will receive position-specific coaching, regular performance assessments, and data-driven progress tracking, while also engaging with sports psychologists and injury-prevention experts to ensure comprehensive development.

With a curriculum that nurtures both footballing acumen and personal development, SUFC’s Residential Academy serves as a vital conduit for feeding high-caliber talent into India’s broader sporting ambitions, strengthening the national pool with players who are equipped to perform, lead, and inspire on and off the field.