New Delhi, April 24 (IANS): All India Football Federation (AIFF) Thursday launched the 'AIFF Academy Certification' which aims to set a standard of youth development in the country through a certification model.

AIFF has developed a set of criteria on which the academies will be assessed and certified and they will be given a rating as per the points gained on the criteria.

The certification criteria will primarily be based on coaching staff and qualifications, facilities, youth development and teams supported, training schedule and training sessions, curriculum, scouting network, medical facilities, schooling, accommodation (if residential), travelling, and kitting.

Based on the number of points the academy earns on the criteria, they will be rated between one-star (lowest) to five-star (highest). This certification will be applicable for a year after which it will have to be renewed.

AIFF technical director Robert Baan said the process is the "next milestone" in the development of youth football in the country.

"Certification of residential as well as non-residential academies is part of our AIFF’s Master Plan ‘Lakshya.’ It is the next milestone in the development of youth football in India. It will give the academy directors as well as their coaches a guideline of the level of coaching as well as the structure of the academy,” Baan told www.the-aiff.com.