Unrecognised contributions of scouts in Indian football Premium
The Hindu
The Head of Scouting for the Reliance Foundation’s grassroots projects, Steve Charles, sheds light on the infrastructure in Indian football and the importance of scouts.
A nascent football career is nurtured and prepared for take-off by three wise heads.
First, the coach who nurtures talent. Second, the agent who secures lucrative deals and endorsements. The third — in a true sense the first — the scout.
While the first two, on most occasions, get their share of the limelight, the third forever toils far from the public eye.
“How many know who scouted Ronaldo or who scouted Messi?” asks Steve Charles, when Sportstar approaches him during the Reliance Foundation Young Champs’ (RFYC) Naupang League.
Charles, at present the Head of Scouting for the Reliance Foundation’s grassroots projects, serves as the perfect example of the important role a scouting network holds in a footballing ecosystem.
“We’re the unsung heroes,” Charles says.
After playing for Pune FC from 2008 to 2011, Charles moved to coaching in 2014 with Indian Super League club FC Pune City.
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