AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF), with the support of the FIFA Women’s Department, commenced the AFC C Diploma Course for women coaches at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE) in Kolkata on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

The course is set to run until September 12, with 22 coaches nominated by Member Associations from the North and East regions of India participating.

Fully funded under the FIFA Coach Education Scholarship Programme - Group, the course illustrates the continued efforts of the AIFF to strengthen the coaching pathway for women and expand opportunities to advance their coaching careers.

This 13-day course is aimed at equipping the participants with the relevant knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to progress in their coaching careers, while also strengthening the development of women’s football at the grassroots level.

Following the ongoing course, AIFF is also planning to conduct a second AFC C Diploma Course for women coaches later this year. 24 coaches, nominated by Member Associations from the West and South regions, are expected to participate.

Together, the two courses are expected to produce around 42 to 44 women AFC C Licence coaches by the end of 2026, further strengthening the pool of qualified women coaches across the country.