On a crisp early Sunday morning, the air still thick with the energy of the football match that had just concluded, I found myself in a lively conversation with my friend Peter.
Peter, or Coach Peter as he’s more widely known, runs a football academy called Tribal Football. As he shared his vision of creating a pathway for young players to reach the international stage, I was immediately intrigued. His passion was palpable, and it wasn’t long before I was eager to learn more about his journey and the philosophy that drives Tribal Football.
Minlun Kipgen, better known as Coach Peter, was born in a small village in Churachandpur, Manipur. At the age of four, his life took an unexpected turn when he moved to Bangalore and was adopted into a children’s home run by an American lady. Growing up with 50 other children, he described his childhood home as more of a family than an orphanage. It was here that he was first introduced to various sports, but it was football that eventually captured his heart. Despite initially being drawn to cricket, financial constraints led him to football, a sport that was more accessible. Over time, he fell in love with the game’s energy, hustle, and physicality. With limited formal coaching, he taught himself and went on to captain his school and represent his college.
Coach Peter’s journey into coaching began in Delhi in 2016. His academy, Tribal Football, was born out of the need to provide players with a more personalized approach to their football development. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 highlighted the importance of a centralized facility for safety and holistic development. He took a leap of faith and started the academy with just five players and minimal financial investment. One of the initial challenges was the lack of awareness among parents about the benefits of individual training sessions. However, the pandemic inadvertently helped, as their small-scale operations allowed them to function safely through lockdowns. Over the next year, they grew to about 20 students.
Tribal Football’s unique approach focuses on preparing players for international exposure. Coach Peter believes that the development process abroad is far more advanced than in India. While Indian football often emphasizes technical skills like kicking, passing, and running, international programs prioritize the intellectual aspects of the game. He has observed that players from renowned Indian academies often lack intensity, psychological development, and personality. Therefore, he aims to connect his players with international programs to provide them with better opportunities for growth.
Several players from Tribal Football have successfully ventured abroad. Rohan, though not directly placed by the academy, has been associated with Coach Peter for over five years. His work ethic and maturity at a young age highlighted the gap in holistic player development. Aarav, another success story, was developed from scratch and now plays in the US. He also had a stint at Claremont School in the UK, where he further improved his game. Advait, known for his technical giftedness, is currently at Claremont School, UK. These players’ ability to adapt to different systems and styles of play is a testament to the academy’s focus on “Simple Football” rather than rigid philosophies.
Rohan credits Coach Peter for introducing him to the decision-making components of the game early in his career, which has significantly impacted his development. Aarav praises Coach Peter for his technical, mental, and physical training, highlighting his role in building a strong foundation. Advait appreciates how Tribal Football has improved his game sense, footwork, and dribbling skills.
When it comes to recruiting coaches, Coach Peter emphasizes the importance of a willingness to learn, a focus on the kids rather than personal achievements, and humility. He prefers coaches who are starting their careers, as they bring creativity and are not bound by institutionalized systems. This approach allows them to explore and execute new coaching methods.
Coach Peter also shares positive experiences with parents (of the players), who have been instrumental in supporting and sustaining the academy. The NGO arm of Tribal Football exists because of their involvement and encouragement. The sense of community and family at Tribal Football is something Coach Peter cherishes and believes will continue even after their football journey ends.
In a country where football is still finding its footing, academies like Tribal Football are not just necessary—they are transformative. They provide the nurturing environment, the personalized attention, and the international exposure that young talents need to flourish. As Coach Peter so aptly puts it, “The role of a coach is not just to teach skills, but to inspire dreams and unlock potential.” And in doing so, Tribal Football is not just shaping players; it’s shaping the future of football in India.
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