The AIFF D-License course forms the first step towards becoming a professional coach in India and former Kerala Blasters striker Michael Chopra has taken it up, Goal can confirm.
The course, which lasts 6 days, deals with teaching the bare basics of football coaching to beginners. Michael Chopra, at 33, looks to be planning ahead and targeting a role on the touchline.
Goal spoke to Henry Menezes, who conceptualized the D-License course in India. "Yes, he [Michael Chopra] is doing his D-License course. We don't know his plans but yes, he is doing the course" confirmed Menezes.
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A D-Licence holder can only take up coaching role at the grassroots level of the game, which includes college and school teams, district and Inter-city championships etc.
But once Chopra secures the beginner-level coaching badge, he is eligible to climb step by step towards the ultimate coaching accolade of the region, which is the AFC Pro-License.
Michael Chopra, who hails from the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, has a wealth of experience to show for these courses. He started his professional career at his hometown club Newcastle United before going on loan to various clubs in England. He has plied his trade at several English Premier League clubs before making the switch to Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters in the summer of 2014.
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He left Blasters at the end of the season to play for Scottish club Alloa Athletic but the player was released by the club an year later due to injury.
The Yellow Army brought Chopra back for a second stint in 2016 and under manager Steve Coppel, the striker played his part in putting together a run that took them to the final of the tournament.