Kevin Sheedy believes India has a “gold mine” of hidden AFL talent just waiting to be unearthed.

The four-time Essendon premiership Coach witnessed the skill after spending an afternoon with the teams who will compete in the AFL India National Championships starting in Kolkata tomorrow.

Sheedy is attending the Championships in order to help select the Indian Team which will contest the AFL International Cup later this year.

More than 200 players and coaches hung onto every word of a Kevin Sheedy master class, which included his philosophies on coaching and a two hour skills session. 

Speaking after training, Sheedy said the session unearthed some future AFL players.

"I would say there are easily five or six players who could play AFL," Sheedy said.

"This is a gold mine to be honest. These guys have got speed and skill, and they’ve got talent. All they’ve got to do is be taught.

"I think this is where the game could end up in 25 years time, and we have to have the courage to take the next step.

“I’m really looking forward to watching the games tomorrow, because a lot of these boys have a great opportunity to be selected for the Indian Team which will play in the International Cup.”

Twelve teams from seven states, including the Kerala Bombers, will contest the AFL India National Championships.

The Tournament runs over two days at the Sailen Manna Stadium, Kolkata.