Are you a football fan? Can you recall the names of European football clubs in your sleep and list out the statistics of its players? If yes, then would you pass up a chance to receive training from the guys directly or indirectly involved with the club? I don't think so.
Recently, Airtel through the ‘Manchester United Soccer Schools' programme brought coaches Christopher Rossemus, Kavin O' Connel and Andy Dickson of the Manchester United Soccer School to India to train and pick out the best talents that the country has to offer. In the city recently, the trio parted with some valuable football expertise and training to about 120 school children from 44 schools in Chennai at the Rama Krishna ground. The venue was dotted with red flags and banners screaming Manchester United making the club's fans only happier.
Gautham, a student of S.B.O.A School and Junior College, was a Barcelona fan and yet happy to be a part of the programme. “We learnt new techniques that are sure to improve our game. It is a good exposure for us,” he said and his friend Joshua, a ManU fan, nodded in agreement. Students of the Chennai High School who listed out names of their favourite European football clubs were excited that they had learnt dribbling, ball control and passing during the training, which will give them an upper hand during matches.
At the end of the national tour which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkatta, Bangalore and Hyderabad, 20 children will be chosen by the coaches to be trained for five days at the English football club — Manchester United!
“Apart from the basic talent, we will choose them on the basis of their attitude, behaviour, communication skills and enthusiasm on and off field, which are all equally important as the skill itself,” revealed Mr. Dickson. Speaking about the talent in the country, he observed, “I am impressed by the ability of these children which is similar to their counterparts all over the world. Even though cricket is more famous in the country, their enthusiasm and passion for football is just the same as the children around the world share for the sport.”
So saying, Dickson also advised children to practise everyday even if it involves just kicking and bouncing the ball off a wall. “Children should pay attention to ball passing techniques too,” he concluded.
