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Cambodian Coach Transforms MP's 'Mini-Brazil' with International Football Training

International football coach Charlie Pomeroy from Cambodia has arrived in Shahdol district, Madhya Pradesh, often called 'mini-Brazil,' to train local youth. He is introducing international-level techniques and mentoring players to enhance their mental and physical game. Pomeroy was inspired to visit after hearing about the region's football passion, which was highlighted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast. He believes India's large football community has the potential to produce excellent footballers, just as it does cricketers.

Key Points: Cambodian Coach Trains Youth in MP's 'Mini-Brazil' Village

  • Cambodian coach trains local youth
  • Shahdol dubbed 'mini-Brazil'
  • Techniques from major tournaments
  • Inspired by PM's 'Mann Ki Baat'
  • Aims to build grassroots talent
2 min read

In MP's 'mini-Brazil', Cambodian coach trains local youth in football skills

International coach Charlie Pomeroy brings global football techniques to Shahdol, inspired by PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' mention of the region's passion.

"Just as India produces excellent cricket players, it can also produce excellent footballers, - Coach Charlie Pomeroy"

Bhopal, Jan 15

The Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh, often referred as 'mini Brazil' is in high spirits.

The reason behind is a celebrated footballer from Cambodia arriving in the city for handholding the new and emerging talent and honing the skills of football players with latest techniques.

Charlie Pomeroy, the international football coach, has introduced the football players from the village to international-level football techniques.

He is counselling the young as well as experienced footballers, getting them mentally and physically prepared to enhance their game and also enlightening with the techniques employed by successful players during major tournaments.

Speaking about his visit to Madhya Pradesh, Charlie Pomeroy said that he heard a lot about 'Mini Brazil' of Shahdol district and harboured a desire to nurture grassroots talent into international level players.

Sharing his first-hand assessment of the game and sporting spirit in the village, he said that Shahdol is continuously evolving in the field of football and the players need to continue working hard despite challenges as long-drawn endeavour would eventually earn them big results.

Notably, Madhya Pradesh's 'Mini Brazil' and the football players' passion and dedication spanning across generations, were mentioned in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme and also in a podcast during his visit to the US.

Inspired by this broadcast and social media content, Charlie Pomeroy, the technical head coach of the Cambodian-based FC NGO and an international football coach, arrived in Vicharpur village, where he has been training local players on new skills, improved techniques, fitness, etc.

Charlie Pomeroy says that through this project, he has learned that the football community in India is quite large.

There are a huge number of people who love football and India is not just a cricket-playing nation, he added.

"Just as India produces excellent cricket players, it can also produce excellent footballers," Coach Pomeroy told IANS.

Earlier, in November 2025, renowned German football coach Dietmar Beiersdorf visited Vicharpur village.

He met with the local players, including those who had returned from Germany after receiving modern football training.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows global football, it's heartening to see coaches from Cambodia and Germany taking interest. It breaks the stereotype that India is only about cricket. The passion in these villages is real. More power to Coach Pomeroy and the players!
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Vikram M
While this is a positive step, I hope this isn't just a flash in the pan. We've seen foreign coaches come and go. What we need is sustained investment in grassroots coaching, proper leagues, and scouting networks. The talent is there, but the system needs to support it long-term.
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Priyanka N
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 When PM Modi mentioned them in 'Mann Ki Baat', it put Shahdol on the map. Now international coaches are visiting. This is how change happens – recognition first, then opportunity. My nephew is a footballer in Indore, this gives me hope for his future too.
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Rohit P
Bahut badhiya! Football has a huge following in the tribal belts of MP and Chhattisgarh. They play with such raw passion. An international coach polishing those skills can work wonders. Hope ISL teams are paying attention to these hidden gems.
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Michael C
This is a great story. The global football community is taking notice. From a coaching perspective, blending local passion with international technique is the perfect recipe for development. Kudos to Charlie Pomeroy for taking the initiative.

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