South United Football Club (SUFC) embodies this approach, enhancing player and coach performance while prioritizing community building and self-sustainability.

In an exclusive MyKhel interview, SUFC's Sporting Director, Terry Phelan, shared insights on his role and Indian football's future.

The role of Terry Phelan at South United Football Club (SUFC) began in 2019. The vision was to transform the Club from a small entity into a significant presence in Bangalore. SUFC aims to create not just a football field but a hub and community, forming a self-sustainable Club.

The focus at the grassroots level has been pivotal. Phelan’s task was to enhance the overall performance of the Club, including coach and player education. SUFC has a clear football pathway based on a long-term vision and strategic actions set by the owner and CEO. The strategy involves deep analysis, benchmarking, comprehensive research, and a detailed consultation process within the Club.

The Club employs a 3P strategy: Participation, Pathway, and Performance. This strategy aims to promote grassroots football in the country, increasing participation with a focus on quality. The Club caters to all levels, from young children to the Senior Team, ensuring a rewarding pathway for all participants. A recent free training camp in Pune, conducted by Terry Phelan, exemplifies this holistic approach.

Phelan acknowledges India's rich football culture, highlighting regions like the Northeast, Calcutta, Goa, and Kerala. He emphasizes the need to stop comparing Indian football with European standards and instead focus on developing it within the Asian context. The key is to grow the sport by improving coach education, player education, and infrastructure. SUFC has become self-sustainable, continually expanding its infrastructure to achieve greater success.

The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) encourages young coaches to enhance their skills through coaching badges, which is crucial for nurturing better players. SUFC supports this by encouraging its coaches to study and improve their coaching knowledge and apply for higher licenses. This effort not only develops players but also creates employment opportunities and contributes to the sport’s ecosystem.

Improving the financial structure of lower-tier leagues is essential for the entire ecosystem to thrive. Several historical clubs have the infrastructure to compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) but often lack the financial backing.

Phelan believes in the slow but steady growth of the Indian football team. While acknowledging the challenges, he emphasizes the need for continuous support and patience. The development process will eventually bear fruit, uplifting Indian football to higher standards.

About South United Football Club:

South United Football Club debuted in the I-League Second Division in 2012, marking the start of our journey. Since then, we have consistently delivered top-tier performances in Karnataka's football scene, highlighting our dedication to nurturing local players and young athletes.


For more information about South United Football Club, visit www.sufcindia.com.