Bengaluru FC appoint Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development
Bengaluru, April 1
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
Reader Comments
Finally, a focus on developing local talent instead of just buying players! His philosophy of growing our own players is spot on. Hope to see more Karnataka boys in the BFC first team soon. 🤞
Great move. His track record in Goa with Salgaocar was impressive. If he can replicate that success here and build a proper pipeline, Indian football benefits as a whole. All the best, sir!
While his credentials are strong, I hope this isn't just another administrative shuffle. BFC's academy needs consistent results, not just big names. The proof will be in the players who actually break through to the senior team.
A FIFA Technical Expert guiding our youth? Wow. This is the kind of long-term thinking Indian clubs need. Investing in youth development is investing in the future of the sport. More clubs should follow this model.
Good luck to him! The pathway from U14 to first team is crucial. Hope he gets the full support and time from the management. These things don't show results overnight. Patience is key. 💙
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