Bengaluru, April 1 (IANS) Bengaluru FC have announced the appointment of Savio Medeira as the club’s Head of Youth Development. Medeira will take charge of the club’s youth development programme as the Blues continue to strengthen their pathway from grassroots to the first team.

Medeira arrives in Bengaluru with over two decades of experience in coaching, technical development, and coach education across Indian and international football. He has previously served in multiple roles with the Indian senior men’s national team under the All India Football Federation (AIFF), including stints as Head Coach and Assistant Coach, and was part of the setup that won the SAFF Championship (2011), Nehru Cup, and AFC Challenge Cup.

At the club level, Medeira enjoyed a successful spell with Salgaocar Sports Club, leading them to multiple Goa Professional League titles (2002–2005) and a runner-up finish in the National League, while also being named Best Coach at the Durand Cup (2003).

Medeira has also played a key role in shaping the technical landscape of Indian football, having served as Head of Coach Education and Acting Technical Director at the AIFF, in addition to being a member of the AFC Coach Education Panel. He currently serves as a FIFA Technical Expert, and most recently held the position of Technical Director at Sporting Clube de Goa.

Savio Medeira, Head of Youth Development, Bengaluru FC, said: "Bengaluru FC have done a remarkable job building this pathway, and all credit goes to the coaches and everyone who has worked to make this possible. When I look at where the U14s, U16s, U18s, and the Reserve Team are right now, the progression is organic, and that is what youth development is all about. For me, the philosophy is simple - instead of going and poaching all the time, trying to grow and coach our own local players into the First Team is the ultimate goal of youth development at any club. That is the culture I want to reinforce here."

Darren Caldeira, Director of Football, Bengaluru FC, said: "We are delighted to welcome Savio to Bengaluru FC. He brings with him a wealth of experience - a coach and technical director who has operated at the highest level of Indian football and continues to contribute to the game as a FIFA Technical Director.

"His understanding of what it takes to develop players, both on and off the field, makes him the ideal person to lead our youth programme. Our vision is to build a clear pathway from our academy to the First Team and continue producing players who go on to represent the national team, and we are confident Savio is the right person to drive that forward," he added.

--IANS

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