Chandigarh, October 2024: Following a landmark partnership with Premier League powerhouse club Southampton FC, Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS), India’s largest residential football academy, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new campus in Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab in association with Om Parkash Bansal Modern School.

Om Parkash Bansal Modern School is a CBSE affiliated school with a sports centric approach, they have got a state of the art shooting facility with national level coaches such as Mr. Ankush Bharadwaj mentoring the students, two full-fledged football fields, state, gymnasium, yoga and meditation centre. The new campus marks a significant step in BBFS’s commitment to providing world-class football education across India, further expanding access to aspiring footballers in key regions.

The newly opened campus will be one of the first to fully implement BBFS’s collaboration with Southampton FC, integrating an advanced coaching curriculum developed by the English club. This collaboration will offer young Indian athletes exposure to global leagues, exclusive training opportunities, and expert guidance both in India and the UK.

In partnership with Southampton FC, BBFS athletes will gain unprecedented access to international exposure trips, including opportunities to train at Southampton’s world-renowned academy in England.

Talking about the launches Bhaichung Bhutia said, “Our partnership with Southampton FC brings global best practices in football coaching to India. With the opening of the new campuses in Punjab, we aim to provide unparalleled opportunities for young footballers to develop their skills and prepare for success at the highest levels,”

BBFS, a three-star accredited academy by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), continues to prioritize not only football excellence but also the holistic development of its student-athletes. Life at BBFS Residential Academies offers a dynamic and nurturing environment where young athletes can thrive while staying at the campus throughout the year with like-minded peers. Students benefit from a structured daily routine that balances rigorous football training with academic studies, ensuring a well-rounded education. The academies provide state-of-the-art facilities, including training pitches, fitness centres, and accommodation designed to foster teamwork and personal development. Moreover, the emphasis on sports science, performance analysis, and mental wellness equips athletes with essential skills for both their sporting careers and personal growth.

Since 2018, over 300 BBFS players aged between 9-18 have competed in national leagues, with many going on to represent India at the international level, including notable players like Manbhakupar Malngiang, Lionel D Rymmei, Bonifilia Shullai and Ribahunshisha Kharshiing. BBFS’s established residential programs, which are already present in Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Meghalaya, provide a nurturing environment where students can excel both in football and academics.