Italo Galbiati, a former AC Milan manager and assistant coach to Fabio Capello will be launching a football academy in Tobago later this year.
The Italian born will be in the sister isle in June to launch the academy which is being set up through the efforts of Italian-based football consultant Stefano Monti who became familiar with Trinidad and Tobago and its footballing possibilities after marrying his Trinidadian girlfriend.
Galbiati visited Trinidad once before during England’s visit in 2008 for a friendly international against this country and is now keen on assisting in the development of players for exchange programs. According to Monti, efforts will be made to have collaboration with the Football Federation. The academy is expected to be based at the Phoenix ground.
“The aim is to create a opportunities for young footballers from the island and help them attain a high level of preparation and professionalism for the sport.
These skills will assist these young men to become educated citizens for the world of work or university and of course there will be opportunities for the player or players that stand out,” explained Monti who has done work in the past with 1976 Phoenix FC and also managed Italian fourth division club ASD Francavilla.
“The project will be set up to focus on academics, social and football education,” Monti added. The 74-year-old Galbiati also worked as an assistant coach at Real Madrid, Juventus and Roma. He also played one game for Inter Milan and was also contracted as a player with Lecco.