CLUBE ATLÉTICO PARANAENSE, BRAZIL SIGNS COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH AIFF

The Clube Atlético Paranaense (CAP), Brazilian Série A professional football club, and All India Football Federation signed a cooperation agreement in order to operate jointly in training athletes of Indian football. The main objectives are to share know-how, managerial and training processes, always guided by the principle of the transfer of football knowledge. The agreement was intended as a preparation tool for the Under-17 National Team  since the U17 World Cup in 2017 will be held in the country.

Currently, five Atlético Paranaense players in Indian Super League [ISL], a new Indian football league organized by All India Football Federation. Besides the athletes, another Brazilian is the highlight of the tournament. Zico is the  head coach of FC Goa. Representatives of Atlético Paranaense in the Indian Super League are midfielders Gustavo Marmentini [Delhi Dynamos], Bruno Pelissari [Chennaiyin FC], defensive midfielder Guilherme Batata [Northeast United FC], central defender Erwin [Kerala Blasters FC] and striker Pedro Gusmão [Kerala FC Blasters] .The Indian Super League unites eight clubs in a tournament in three months, in the same way, Major League Soccer [MLS], in the United States. As owners and investors, we highlight actors of Bollywood [Indian Film Industry], former cricketers and multinational companies.

The new cooperation agreement between CAP and AIFF, the specific objectives are participation of AIFF youth teams  in pre-season camps and friendlies at CAP premises in Curitiba, south of Brazil; participation of Atlético Paranaense youth teams in tournaments and friendly matches in India; training stage of AIFF youth athletes at  CAP premises; coaching courses for Indian coaches at CAP premises; courses and clinics taught by CAP Coaching staff in India; pre-seasons of Indian teams indicated by AIFF at CAP premises.

"The signing of this agreement confirms the choice of Atlético Paranaense and excellence in the training of athletes in Brazilian football, and our infrastructure, ideal for development of all activities related to football. We hope to give our contribution to the development of young Indian athletes and their coaches", said Luiz Greco, director of international relations of the CAP.

The cooperation agreement with the All India Football Federation lasts until the end of 2015. The official announcement will happen at a press conference at AIFF Football House on the 13th of November in New Delhi, India.