AthleteFirst Sports Consulting · Bangalore
Athlete First.
Always.
Giving young Indian football talent the opportunity to perform on the global stage.
Who we are
The athlete at the centre of everything we do.
AthleteFirst Sports Consulting keeps the athlete at the centre of everything we do. We are people and relationship centric: we take the time to understand the needs of every player, family, academy and club we work with, then solve problems with a human-first approach. Led by an AFC C Licensed, AIFF accredited coach with international exposure, we combine individual development, academy expertise and global connections to open the door to international youth football for young Indian talent.
Why AFSC
Licensed & accredited
AFC C Licence and AIFF accreditation.
Global exposure
Experience with Bundesliga Dream India and the FC Bayern Youth Cup.
Academy-tested
Hands-on experience in youth development and academy management.
Human first
We start by understanding your needs, and every plan is built around the individual, not a template.
About
Built by a coach who has run the academy, not just advised one.
AthleteFirst was founded by Hafiz, a football coach and academy operator based in Bangalore. After years in youth development and academy management, including leading player development at Rush Football Academy and serving as Centre Manager at Sporthood Football Academy, he kept seeing the same gap: talented players and well-meaning academies without structure, honest guidance or international pathways.
AFSC exists to close that gap.
Mission
To keep the athlete at the centre and prioritise them in everything we do.
Objective
To give young Indian talent the opportunity to perform on the global stage in international youth football.
Our approach
We are people and relationship centric. Whether we are working with an individual athlete, a family, a group or an organisation, we start by understanding their needs, then solve problems with a human-first approach.
Hafiz
Founder, AthleteFirst Sports Consulting
AFC C LicenceAIFF AccreditedOur values
Athlete at the centre
The athlete is prioritised in every decision.
People & relationships
Lasting trust with athletes, families, academies and clubs.
Understanding first
We listen to and understand needs before we advise.
Human first
Practical, caring solutions to real problems.
Honesty
Clear assessment and realistic pathways.
Opportunity
Young Indian talent deserves a route to the global stage.
Pillar 01 · Talent Management
Develop the player. Guide the career.
For ambitious footballers and their families. Elite individual training combined with honest career guidance.
IPEP · Individual Performance Enhancement Program
Elite training, built around one player.
For elite footballers aged 12 to 18 who want to accelerate their development with focused 1:1 private coaching.
- Initial assessment: technical, tactical, physical and mental
- Personalised performance plan
- 1:1 private coaching sessions
- Regular progress tracking and feedback
Career Consulting
The right guidance at the right time.
For players and parents making decisions about academies, clubs, education and professional pathways.
- Honest evaluation of where the player stands
- Pathway planning: next steps in India and abroad
- Guidance on academies, clubs and trials
- Introductions to the right people in the football network
- Family briefing and expectation setting
How IPEP works
- 01
Assessment
- 02
Individual plan
- 03
Training
- 04
Review & progression
Pillar 02 · Academy Consulting
Run your academy like a professional organisation.
For academy owners, directors and centre managers who want to grow revenue, tighten operations and raise technical standards. Use services individually or together.
Revenue Growth
- Fee structure and pricing review
- Enrolment and retention strategy
- New programme and income stream development
- Partnerships and sponsorship support
Operations
- Centre management systems and scheduling
- Staff structure, roles and processes
- Parent communication and reporting
- Quality control and standards
Technical
- Age-group curriculum and programme design
- Coach education and session quality
- Player pathway and progression framework
- Assessment and player evaluation systems
How an engagement works
- 01
Academy audit
- 02
Gap analysis & roadmap
- 03
Implementation support
- 04
Ongoing review
Pillar 03 · International Pathways
Take your game beyond borders.
Connecting ready players with real opportunities abroad.
Tournaments & Trials
- Access to international tournaments and trial opportunities
- Player readiness assessment before any placement
- Player profile and video preparation
- Travel and logistics guidance
- Family briefing and support
Talent Scouting & Recruitment
The link between players and clubs.
AFSC works with players and clubs at the same time. We scout and assess talent, represent players to clubs, and help clubs find players that fit their needs. The result is a direct route to international opportunity.
Player
Approaches AFSC
AFSC
Assesses & prepares
Club
Clubs also come to AFSC
International Opportunity
Player gains the chance
We do not promise placement. We open doors for players who are ready.
Credentials
Experience that comes from the pitch.
- Qualifications
- AFC C Licence · AIFF accreditation
- International exposure
- Bundesliga Dream India · FC Bayern Youth Cup
- Academy leadership
- Youth Development / Academy Lead, Rush Football Academy · Centre Manager, Sporthood Football Academy
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Who is AFSC for?+
Footballers, parents and academies in India who want structured development and genuine pathways.
What is IPEP?+
The Individual Performance Enhancement Program is our 1:1 private coaching service for elite footballers aged 12 to 18.
Do you guarantee placement at a club abroad?+
No. We assess readiness honestly and open doors for players who are ready.
Can I combine services?+
Yes. Services work individually or together.
Where do you operate?+
We are based in Bangalore, India.
How do I start?+
Book a consultation. We will understand your goals and recommend the right service.
Ready to take the next step?
Let us talk about your next step.
Tell us where you are and where you want to go.
Bangalore, India