Project Mahadeva: Maharashtra’s New Grassroots Football Push & Train With These Footballing Star

Recognising the need to revive football from the grassroots in India, the state government of Maharashtra recently launched Project Mahadeva, a bold initiative targeting under‑13 boys and girls. The aim: to uncover hidden talent across even the remotest districts and groom them through a structured, long‑term pathway. The highlight — 60 selected young players will get a once‑in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with global football legend Lionel Messi during his visit to Mumbai this December.

What is Project Mahadeva?

Project Mahadeva is a statewide football development programme unveiled by the Maharashtra government under the leadership of the state’s Chief Minister. It invites young aspirants — boys and girls under the age of 13 — to participate in a comprehensive talent hunt. The selection process is elaborate, inclusive and designed to reach every corner of the state.

The process to identify talent is structured with multiple rounds: district-level trials, regional rounds and a final state‑level selection camp.

From across the state, a total of 30 boys and 30 girls have been selected to receive full, five-year scholarships — covering not just professional football coaching, but also academics, nutrition, mental conditioning, and proper training infrastructure.

What Do the Selected Players Get?

The scholars under Project Mahadeva are provided with,

• Professional‑level football coaching under qualified trainers
• Continued academic schooling — so that education doesn’t suffer for sport
• Access to proper equipment, nutrition, fitness and mental conditioning support
• Exposure to regular competitive matches and systematic training — akin to youth academies in developed footballing nations

In effect, Project Mahadeva offers a holistic development environment — blending sports, education, and well‑being — instead of one‑time camps or short‑term programmes.

The Messi Connection — GOAT Football Clinic

What makes Project Mahadeva stand out is its international‑level exposure opportunity. As part of the programme’s launch events, the 60 selected youngsters will train with Lionel Messi — arguably the greatest footballer of all time — during the “GOAT Football Clinic” scheduled in Mumbai.

This rare chance promises to be more than just a training session — it could be a turning point, infusing ambition, discipline and a global outlook in young Indian footballers, thereby raising the bar for grassroots sport.

Key Takeaways

• Programme: Project Mahadeva — Maharashtra’s youth football talent hunt & development scheme
• Age Group: U‑13 (boys and girls)
• Selection: Multi‑phase statewide trials — district → regional → state‑level
• Selected: 30 boys + 30 girls = 60 athletes awarded five‑year full scholarships
• Support Provided: Professional coaching, academic education, nutrition, mental conditioning, training infrastructure