Atletico de Kolkata to start grass-root level program from Jan 2016

In a press conference, Subrata Talukdar, Secretary, ATK, told reporters here, “We have not been able to do anything last year but we are planning to start a grass root level program, commencing from January. We are also trying to open an academy.”

When asked about the already existing academy run by another multinational company, Talukdar asserted that Kolkata is a front runner in the game and has much to offer to the sport.

“Kolkata has contributed the largest number of kids in that academy. Ten out of twenty-four kids, about thirty-seven percent are from the city," he said.

ATK also entered a deal with SRMB Srijan as the construction company will act as one of the principal sponsors for the soccer team for the second season.

Ashish Beriwala, Director, SRMB Srijan Ltd, said, “It is a moment of pride for us as we continue our association with ATK for the second year in a row.”

“We will like to extend our hearty wishes and we are sure the cup will come home for the second time,” Beriwala added.

Under the revised rule a team will be allowed to keep six sponsors as compared to five in the inaugural season.

SRMB Srijan, being one of the principal sponsors has secured a chest logo. The team will also have five other principal sponsors and another twelve associate sponsors.

Beriwala also announced his plans of grooming young talents and urged ATK to join him in his quest.

“We are thinking of a new initiative and along with ATK would love to groom needy mason’s family boys with talent. We would take care of their education and help them grow as footballers,” he said.

Utsav Parekh, co-owner, ATK, said, “Football is the game for the masses. I am sure one day it will catch up with cricket and will compete with the IPL (Indian Premier League).”

Speaking on their team, he said, “The team will arrive tomorrow (Thursday) at eight-twenty in the morning. The players will have to get acclimatize to the condition.”

When asked about the poor conditions of the football pitch, Subrata Talukdar said, “Yes we know about it. The Salt Lake stadium is getting prepared. The Barasat Stadium has an AstroTurf pitch, but our players want natural turf. We have entered an agreement with Mohun Bagan and they will help us. The security and comfort factor has to be kept in mind, and right now they are the best.”

Talukdar also spoke about the long distances the players will have to travel to attend practice. “We wanted something closer to our hotel.”

Talukdar also cleared the air regarding the membership scheme doing the rounds. “Yes we have allowed four-thousand people to join ATK as members for a fee of eight-hundred. They will get complimentary match tickets and will get the best seats in the stadium.”

(Reporting By Sudipto Maity)