--- title: "AFC & AIFF Certified Football Coaches in Mumbai | SMFA" description: "Train with AFC and AIFF certified football coaches at South Mumbai Football Academy. Our professional coaching team focuses on tactical play and skill development." canonical: https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/the-smfa-playbook-our-certified-coaches last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Our Certified Coaching Team in Mumbai Tribe Verified · AFC and AIFF certified coaching staff By [South Mumbai Football Academy](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy) · Training at academy in Grant Road and across Mumbai · ₹3,000 per month (estimate) Part of [Football Academy & Training](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/gallery) Passion meets precision on the pitch. Our AFC and AIFF certified coaches at SMFA do not just teach the game; they build character through tactical discipline and active mentorship. ## Photos and videos - ![Leadership isn't loud, it's clear. A coach directing his players on the field, demonstrating the vision and control we teach. We don't just train players, we shape leaders.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/084859d0-e5d1-4183-911c-2d832ff57b97) - ![The lessons of a coach last a lifetime. This collage celebrates our coaches, the silent architects of greatness who mentor and motivate our players.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4d320074-ebc2-4edd-9c6e-eff5b88b68ff) - ![Happy Guru Purnima. We are grateful to our amazing coaches for their guidance and inspiration, lighting up the path for our players on and off the field.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8df9ef5-54a5-4e45-80cf-25e755672ea7) - [Video: Behind every victory lies strategy. Our coaches meeting to plan the next season with fresh tactics and a renewed focus on sharpening our players' skills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fcccc494-580a-4240-91f7-8ec32017087f) - [Video: A coach providing tactical guidance during a drill. We focus on communication, positioning, and teamwork to master the game.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eaea50dd-b67f-4913-8ab0-c11830b8afe0) - ![Congratulations to Coach Arsalan Ansari for earning his AFC 'C' License. His dedication and certified expertise raise the bar for our academy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8abf2070-b5c0-4f13-abf1-3677a250ef81) - ![Another milestone unlocked. We are proud to have Coach Shivam Nirmal, another D-License certified coach, adding his expertise and passion to SMFA.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6a64c6cf-c022-49bc-aa9d-3f40198bae69) - ![A proud moment for SMFA. Our Head Goalkeeper Coach, Suraj Jaiswal, has been selected to coach the Indian National Beach Soccer Team.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8d246f64-a085-4393-a064-d5c882e18e26) - ![Celebrating excellence. Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal achieves the prestigious AFC 'B' License, inspiring the next generation of footballers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a814057b-9557-4182-9f08-ca3fad980f76) - ![Our Head Coach, Suraj Sir, holding a trophy after managing the Mumbai U15 district team to victory in the WIFA Inter-District Championship.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b42ce25-e3c9-4cbc-b90f-aa717161faa1) - ![A huge achievement for our Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal, appointed as Manager for Mumbai's U15 Inter-District Football Team.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3865f346-9c0a-47da-9fd2-0efad534035f) - ![Another proud moment. Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal is part of the selection team for the Indian National Beach Soccer Senior Men's Team.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4aba6d3e-0358-4bb2-8aac-36f231e08c98) - ![Celebrating excellence. Coach Atul Sagathia, one of our four coaches who recently achieved the AIFF 'D' License.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c3b37cfa-2c33-4233-889c-8e0ff322254f) - ![Coach Manan Rathod, another one of our newly AIFF 'D' License certified coaches, dedicated to inspiring our young players.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36cb47eb-63be-441b-9734-e7e19c246bcd) - ![Coach Neeraj Jaiswal, proudly joining our team of AIFF 'D' License certified coaches.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89d58ae2-1a35-4c66-a516-e7ac30dad8d9) - ![Coach Rohini Gupta, another one of our coaches to achieve the AIFF 'D' License, fostering talent and teamwork on and off the field.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2389c0aa-20e2-4198-9cda-fdae9d6ddbdf) - ![An announcement celebrating our four coaches who achieved the AIFF 'D' License, enhancing the level of coaching at SMFA.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da7b080d-595f-4d04-b640-6008141b688a) - ![Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal, the first and only certified Beach Soccer Coach in Maharashtra, holding a team photo of the national coaching course.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2add0bea-c4ea-4a5e-b6de-fa4852ad7e14) - ![A graphic celebrating Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal becoming Maharashtra's first certified Beach Soccer Coach.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b6965519-0252-4fff-8073-bd7d20caab34) - ![A portrait of one of our dedicated coaches, whose lessons shape champions for a lifetime.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d7320221-4a26-4614-9137-7caa77dc7d2d) - ![Another one of our inspiring coaches, who are the true game-changers at SMFA.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5afb167f-7db0-4fb2-90cf-e123f4dc7f5e) - ![A coach giving a thumbs-up, symbolizing the positive and motivational environment we create.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5e003e7c-4be4-42e2-b004-e1b8017b939f) - ![A portrait of a smiling coach, representing the passion and dedication of our entire coaching staff.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bc81aa1a-a2b6-423a-9a74-e7dcf65ae52f) - [Video: Our coaches giving a team talk before a match. These moments of guidance and strategy are crucial for success.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2f564b1e-51b6-43ef-8525-9b911dadb510) - ![Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal with the Maharashtra Beach Soccer Team, celebrating their 2nd Runner-Up finish at the National Championship.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4ba5f8fc-b13c-4c2f-92e4-88c5182edc83) - ![The full Maharashtra Beach Soccer team, led by our Head Coach, posing with their trophy. A proud moment for the state and for SMFA.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fcac1d2c-6089-4aa2-a17a-fc4fc3568dce) - ![A close-up of Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal with the National Championship trophy and medal.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c024e765-0bcd-41cb-a78c-a7efa00eade5) - [Video: Our founder, Coach Atul Sagathia, leading a high-energy session during the Goa summer camp. His passion ignites the pitch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b1f64576-7a41-4705-bfa6-1c104ab374d5) - ![An anime-style graphic of our core coaching team. They are the minds, the mission, and the heartbeat of South Mumbai Football.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d6750a8d-e884-45da-81d7-cc0f6b2fc724) - ![An anime-style group photo of our coaches. We are a family of dreamers, doers, and game-changers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/78577f0e-092b-4f5e-b459-ae231a7ba3fa) - [Video: Goalkeeper Coach Suraj Jaiswal putting our keepers through their paces with reflex and strength drills. We build unstoppable goalies.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8c32b0ca-9962-462b-8611-f2df9d220ae4) - [Video: Our head coach guiding U-11 goalkeepers through specialized drills. We focus on building pros from a young age.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b40c6947-b701-416c-b8e2-452a9958c567) ## About The SMFA Playbook: Our Certified Coaches At SMFA, every drill is led by an AFC or AIFF licensed coach who brings real-world league experience to the ground. We do not just stand on the sidelines, we are actively involved in your development, teaching you when to press, how to position, and why the 'directional first touch' changes everything. We believe that a coach is a mentor first. When you train with us at Grant Road or across our Mumbai centers, you are not just getting generic fitness drills. You are receiving technical guidance from coaches who are constantly upgrading their own qualifications—like Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal, who balances his local academy duties with his role as a Goalkeeper Coach for the Indian National Beach Soccer Team. Our coaching philosophy is built on 'heart, hustle, and hunger.' Whether it is a toddler learning motor skills or a senior player prepping for the MFA league, the training structure remains rigorous. We use whiteboard strategy sessions, video analysis, and individual feedback loops to ensure every player understands the 'why' behind the drill. We have coaches across different levels, from AFC 'B' License holders to newly certified AIFF 'D' License mentors. This ensures a low student-to-coach ratio, giving your child the attention they need to master ball mastery, passing accuracy, and tactical awareness. We do not look for shortcuts. We look for growth, discipline, and the kind of sweat that leads to results. If you are ready to play with purpose, come meet the team. ## About South Mumbai Football Academy We started SMFA on empty grounds with a simple promise: to raise the standard of youth football in Mumbai. My team and I are here because we love this game and believe in the impact a dedicated mentor can have on a young player's life. [See all of South Mumbai Football Academy's services](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy) ## More from Football Academy & Training by South Mumbai Football Academy - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/featured) - [Our Champions: Tournament Victories](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/our-champions-tournament-victories) - [The First Kick: Grassroots Football (Ages 2+)](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/the-first-kick-grassroots-football-ages-2) - [Forging Future Stars: Youth & Senior Squads](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/forging-future-stars-youth-senior-squads) - [The Girls' Squad: Empowering Female Footballers](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/the-girls-squad-empowering-female-footballers) - [More Than a Game: Our Community & Values](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/more-than-a-game-our-community-values) - [Pathway to Pro: Partnerships & Progression](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/pathway-to-pro-partnerships-progression) - [Match Day Central: Results & Fixtures](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/match-day-central-results-fixtures) - [The SMFA Brand: Our Story & Style](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/the-smfa-brand-our-story-style) - [Player Recognition](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/player-recognition) - [Additional Media](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training/additional-media) ## More services by South Mumbai Football Academy - [Football Team Selection Trials](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials) - [Residential & Summer Football Camps](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/residential-summer-football-camps) ## Similar work from other experts - [Expert Football Coaching & Mentorship in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/origensportsacademy/elite-academy-competitive-program/expert-coaching-mentorship) by OriGen Sports Academy · Elite Academy & Competitive Program · Academy at 2 locations in Mira Road East, Mira Bhayandar - [The Bravo Way: Football Coaching & Mentorship](https://mytribe.in/bravofootball.in/youth-football-coaching-programs/the-bravo-way-coaching-mentorship) by Bravo Football Academy · Youth Football Coaching Programs · Coaching programs across the Mumbai Metropolitan Area and Bandra West - [Meet the Coaches: AIFF-Licensed Football Mentors](https://mytribe.in/footballacademyofnavi_mumbai/summer-football-camp/meet-the-coaches-your-mentors) by FANM · Summer Football Camp · 5 locations across Navi Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Area - [Our Coaching Philosophy and Training Standards](https://mytribe.in/sg5fa/competitive-team-trials-league-participation/our-coaching-philosophy) by SG5 Football Academy · Competitive Team Trials & League Participation · Trials at 9 academy grounds across Mumbai - [Football Coaching with Dedicated Mentors in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/elite_football_schools/youth-football-coaching/led-by-coaches-who-care) by Elite Football Schools · Youth Football Coaching · Coaching available at 6 venues across Mulund, Thane, and Bhandup - [Our Football Coaching Team: Built on AFC Expertise](https://mytribe.in/sseindia/elite-player-pathway-program/behind-the-whistle-our-expert-coaching-team) by SSE Soccer Schools · Elite Player Pathway Program · Training grounds at Nariman Point & Bandra West; Available across Mumbai ## Book To book South Mumbai Football Academy, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20joining%20SMFA.%20Could%20you%20tell%20me%20more%20about%20the%20training%20schedule%20and%20coaching%20team%20for%20my%20child%3F)