Five-Year MOU to Provide Elite Training, Academic Pathway, and Infrastructure for Young Footballers
February 26, 2025 – In a groundbreaking initiative to bridge the gap between youth and professional football, FC Madras and SRM University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a structured pathway for young footballers, integrating high-performance training with higher education.
Under this agreement, FC Madras U20 players will be enrolled in SRM University’s academic programs while continuing their professional football journey. These athletes will represent both SRM University in university-level tournaments and FC Madras in national and state leagues, ensuring dual career progression in sports and academics.
A Partnership to Shape the Future of Indian Football
SRM University, one of India’s premier institutions known for academic and sporting excellence, has a legacy of producing Olympians and international athletes. With this collaboration, SRM expands its footprint into India’s football ecosystem, joining hands with FC Madras to nurture the country’s emerging football talent.
FC Madras, a 4-star-rated professional football academy, has been a leader in youth football development through its Elite Scholarship Program, which provides full boarding, lodging, training, and education. This MOU ensures that graduates from FC Madras’ high school program now have a clear pathway to university education while continuing their professional football careers.
Speaking on the collaboration, FC Madras CEO Abhishek Yadav said:
“At FC Madras, we nurture players through our Elite Scholarship Program until higher secondary education. With this MOU, SRM University provides the academic pathway beyond that while ensuring players stay in the professional football system. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of creating ‘Champions for Life.’”
SRM University’s Commitment to Sports Development
As part of the agreement, SRM University will invest INR 5 crore over five years, reinforcing its commitment to sports development. The university will provide Academic admissions and continuity for FC Madras U20 players, Accommodation, food and training infrastructure. A unique feature being FC Madras Players will field for SRM University at the university-level football tournaments.
FC Madras, apart from talent identification will provide football training and development by their coaches and technical staff under the guidance of Mr. Venkatesh Shanmugam, Technical Director – FC Madras. The Club will also manage the player development, coaching, and technical training, oversee competition participation, and performance monitoring.
Dr. K. Vaithianathan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Sports Affairs, SRM University, emphasized the significance of integrating football with education:
“University sports play a key role in talent development worldwide. This partnership with FC Madras is a step toward building a system where young footballers can excel both academically and professionally.”
FC Madras Technical Director Venkatesh Shanmugam highlighted the importance of this transition phase:
“The move from U17 to professional football is critical. This collaboration ensures our players receive structured training, competition exposure, and education at a crucial stage of their careers.”
FC Madras board member C.K.M. Dhananjai noted the broader impact of the agreement:
“University sport is a global force, and FC Madras is stepping right into it! This partnership integrates elite sport with higher education, empowering young athletes on and off the field. The rewards of this collaboration extend to players, the university, and Indian football as a whole.”
The MOU between FC Madras and SRM University, signed on February 27, 2025, at SRM University’s Kattankulathur campus, represents a transformational step in Indian football development, paving the way for a new generation of educated,
professional footballers.
