--- title: "AFC & AIFF Certified Football Coaches in Mumbai | SMFA" description: "Meet our team of AFC and AIFF certified football coaches at South Mumbai Football Academy. We focus on tactical training, discipline, and building the next generation of Mumbai footballers. Join us today." canonical: https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/our-coaches-the-architects-of-greatness last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Meet the Coaches Behind Our Mumbai Football Success Tribe Verified · AFC and AIFF certified coaching staff By [South Mumbai Football Academy](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy) · Trials at academy in Grant Road and across Mumbai · ₹149 per player / event (estimate) Part of [Football Team Selection Trials](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/gallery) At SMFA, our coaches do more than teach the game—they build the character and discipline that turn a player into a champion. Meet the AFC and AIFF-certified team driving our mission on the pitch. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Meet the minds behind our mission. Our coaches and managers explain our focus on grassroots development, match-centered training, and building mental toughness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/45fb15b9-3379-4ba9-8c1c-aa512276e392) - ![A collage celebrating our coaching staff. The lessons of a coach last a lifetime, and we are proud to have mentors who are architects of greatness on and off the field.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4d320074-ebc2-4edd-9c6e-eff5b88b68ff) - ![A portrait of one of our smiling coaches. Our staff brings positive energy and professional expertise to every single training session.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bc81aa1a-a2b6-423a-9a74-e7dcf65ae52f) - ![A coach in his element, instructing players during a drill. Our coaches are hands-on, providing constant feedback to shape player performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d7320221-4a26-4614-9137-7caa77dc7d2d) - ![A portrait of Coach Arsalan Ansari, whistle ready, embodying the readiness and passion of our coaching team.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5afb167f-7db0-4fb2-90cf-e123f4dc7f5e) - ![A thumbs-up from a coach on the training ground. This gesture reflects the supportive and motivational environment we cultivate at the academy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5e003e7c-4be4-42e2-b004-e1b8017b939f) - ![Leadership is a statement of vision and control. This image captures a coach directing his team, a moment that defines our approach to building on-field leaders.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/084859d0-e5d1-4183-911c-2d832ff57b97) - ![We celebrate our coaches' achievements. Congratulations to Mr. Arsalan Ansari for completing his AFC 'C' License, raising the level of certified coaching at our academy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8abf2070-b5c0-4f13-abf1-3677a250ef81) - ![We are proud to announce that Coach Atul Sagathia has achieved the prestigious AIFF 'D' License, enhancing our coaching expertise.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c3b37cfa-2c33-4233-889c-8e0ff322254f) - ![Celebrating Coach Manan Rathod on earning his AIFF 'D' License. His dedication helps inspire our next generation of players.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36cb47eb-63be-441b-9734-e7e19c246bcd) - ![Another one of our dedicated coaches, Mr. Neeraj Jaiswal, who has successfully completed his AIFF 'D' License.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89d58ae2-1a35-4c66-a516-e7ac30dad8d9) - ![We celebrate excellence. This graphic marks the achievement of four of our coaches earning their AIFF 'D' License, a testament to our commitment to quality training.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da7b080d-595f-4d04-b640-6008141b688a) - ![We are proud to have certified coaches like Ms. Rohini Gupta, who recently achieved her AIFF 'D' License, leading our women's football program.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2389c0aa-20e2-4198-9cda-fdae9d6ddbdf) - ![A huge milestone. Our Head Coach, Suraj Jaiswal, is the first certified Beach Soccer Coach in Maharashtra, bringing unique and expert knowledge to our academy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b6965519-0252-4fff-8073-bd7d20caab34) - ![A group photo from the AFC Beach Soccer Coaching Course, with our Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal among the certified professionals.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2add0bea-c4ea-4a5e-b6de-fa4852ad7e14) - ![Celebrating Head Coach Suraj Sir's achievement of the prestigious AFC 'B' License. His commitment to excellence elevates the entire academy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a814057b-9557-4182-9f08-ca3fad980f76) - ![Our Head Coach, Suraj Sir, holding the WIFA Inter-District trophy. His leadership as Team Manager for the Mumbai U15 team is a source of immense pride.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b42ce25-e3c9-4cbc-b90f-aa717161faa1) - ![We are thrilled to announce that our Head Coach, Suraj Jaiswal, was appointed as the 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) - ![A proud moment for our academy. Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal was part of the selection team for the Indian National Beach Soccer Senior Men's Team for the Asia Cup.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4aba6d3e-0358-4bb2-8aac-36f231e08c98) - [Video: A message from our Head Coach, Suraj Jaiswal, celebrating two years of SMFA. He is the driving force behind our vision and growth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5fecfa57-9c11-436b-b3b1-8eea7cf5d9ff) ## About Our Coaches: The Architects of Greatness We do not just hire trainers; we invest in mentors who hold active AFC and AIFF certifications. When you join a session, you are not just running laps. You are getting tactical feedback on your touch, stance, and decision-making from someone who has been where you want to go. Whether it is our Head Coach Suraj Jaiswal with his unique beach soccer expertise or our licensed staff leading every drill, the focus is always on individual growth. Football in Mumbai demands grit. Our coaching staff knows this because they have lived it. We focus on the 'why' behind every movement—from directional first touches to high-intensity match simulations. Our coaches bring AFC 'C' and AIFF 'D' license expertise to the ground, ensuring that what you learn aligns with modern standards of play. ### Our Coaching Philosophy We believe in the power of purposeful play. Every coach at SMFA is tasked with observing the player, not just the ball. This means: * **Certified Expertise:** Our team includes AFC 'C' and AIFF 'D' license holders who constantly upgrade their knowledge to teach current football standards. * **Match-Centered Learning:** We do not focus on theory alone. Our training is designed to translate into real-game performance, whether in the MFA leagues or local tournaments. * **Diverse Perspectives:** With the first certified Beach Soccer coach in Maharashtra on our team, we offer a range of tactical insights that go beyond the traditional turf training. We don't just stop at drills. We guide you through the mental side of the game—the discipline, the hunger, and the resilience needed to succeed. If you are ready to put in the work, our coaches are ready to guide you. ## About South Mumbai Football Academy We are SMFA—a community built on passion and hard work. Our coaches are the heartbeat of the academy, dedicated to scouting raw talent and refining it into disciplined performance. When you train with us, you are joining a family that pushes you to be better every single day. [See all of South Mumbai Football Academy's services](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy) ## More from Football Team Selection Trials by South Mumbai Football Academy - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/featured) - [The Trial Experience: Show Us Your Grit](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/the-trial-experience-show-us-your-grit) - [For The Women's Game](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/for-the-women-s-game) - [On The Pitch: Training & Drills](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/on-the-pitch-training-drills) - [Match Day: League & Tournament Action](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/match-day-league-tournament-action) - [More Than A Game: Our Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/more-than-a-game-our-philosophy) - [The SMFA Family: Victories & Milestones](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-team-selection-trials/the-smfa-family-victories-milestones) ## More services by South Mumbai Football Academy - [Football Academy & Training](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/football-academy-training) - [Residential & Summer Football Camps](https://mytribe.in/southmumbaifootballacademy/residential-summer-football-camps) ## Similar work from other experts - [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 - [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 - [Meet Our Certified Football Coaching Team](https://mytribe.in/bfcsoccerschools/youth-football-development-program/meet-our-coaches-mentors-on-and-off-the-pitch) by Bengaluru FC Soccer Schools · Youth Football Development Program · Training centers across Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Dehradun & Ballari - [Meet Our AIFF Licensed Coaching Team](https://mytribe.in/footballacademyofnavi_mumbai/youth-football-development-program/meet-our-aiff-licensed-coaches) by FANM · Youth Football Development Program · 7 locations across Navi Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Area - [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 - [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 ## Book To book South Mumbai Football Academy, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20SMFA%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20coaching%20team%20online%20and%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more%20about%20joining%20an%20upcoming%20training%20session.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)