Bengaluru, April 1 Bengaluru FC, an Indian Super League side, announced on Wednesday that former Indian senior men's football team head coach Savio Medeira would be the club's head of youth development.
Medeira's appointment is part of Bengaluru FC's ongoing effort to strengthen the pathway for players from grassroots to the first team.
Medeira brings over two decades of experience in coaching, technical development, and coach education to Bengaluru, spanning both Indian and international football.
He previously held various roles with the Indian senior men's national team under the All India Football Federation, including roles as head coach and assistant coach, and was involved in the team that won the SAFF Championship (2011), Nehru Cup, and AFC Challenge Cup.
At the club level, Medeira had a successful stint with Salgaocar Sports Club, leading them to multiple Goa Professional League titles (2002–2005) and a second-place finish in the National League, while also being named the 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.
"Bengaluru FC has done a remarkable job building this pathway, and all the credit goes to the coaches and everyone who has worked to make this possible. When I look at where the U14, U16, U18 teams and the reserve team are right now, the progress is organic, and that's what youth development is all about," said Medeira.
"For me, the philosophy is simple – instead of constantly poaching players, the goal is to grow and coach our own local players into the first team. That's the culture I want to reinforce here."
