Indian children meet the champions AC Milan

Premier India Football Academy (PIFA) organized the AC Milan tour to Italy – a football tour for children 10-18 years.

PIFA dream of helping India to the World Cup final in 2022 and has world hard to import the coaching techniques and methods from Europe into their academy. PIFA strongly believes that “to be the best, train with the best”.

Italy being the current World Cup holders, it was necessary to see what made them Champions. AC Milan has the most number of world cup players that played for Italy that boasts of Inzaghi, Maldini, Gatuso, Pirlo, etc. And also has players from the previous World Cup winners Brazil, namely Kaka, Ronaldo, Cafu & Dida. AC Milan are undoubtedly the best club in the world. And have proven so by winning their seventh Champions League title in 2007.

The tour was designed by PIFA to help children appreciate and understand the history of AC Milan FC and what makes them the BEST.

Fifteen children were accompanied by 2 adults from India on the tour that began on 13 May 2007. Each child received an AC Milan Academy shoe bag & two kits that included jersey, shorts & stockings.

On the first day, they were taken for a tour of the San Siro Stadium (home ground of AC Milan & Inter Milan) & Museum. Thereafter the were taken to central Milan to the AC Milan head office to see the six Champions League trophy as well as many other silverware. The children met one of the club’s director - Mr Campione and asked him if they had made place for the seventh Champions League Cup.

The children were taken on a walking tour of Milan City. They were also taken to visit Castel Brando - an Italian Castle.

Football training was conducted through the week by the AC Milan Academy coaches Francesco & assisted by Georgio in the beautiful town of Vitterio Veneto in the north eastern province of Treviso.

The children then got to see a Serie A match in San Siro between AC Milan and Udinese. The children got to see the game from a players perspective. Identifying the movement of each player in the team and understanding them. Although AC Milan rested the 1st team, the match was exciting, the fans were behind the team It was an electrifying experience, the children chanted, blew whistles & horns. The final score was 2-3 in favor of Udinese.

Later, the children were escorted to the players tunnel where they met the entire AC Milan team. There they had an opportunity to take photographs & autographs. Some shook hands and wished the players all the best for their Champions League Final.
The camp ended on the 22 May 2007, prizes were distributed by Sports Minister of Treviso. Everyone was a winner.

The group was accompanied by two adults from India ensuring that the children totally focus on football and enjoy themselves.

This has been PIFA eleventh camp to Europe, they once again leave for AC Milan on 11 June.