The searing summer heat is no deterrent for these students, who are determined to prove their worth in the game of soccer.
Hundreds of boys and girls thronged the sprawling ABM College Grounds here to learn the nuances of the game under the watchful eyes of ace soccer player and chief coach K. David Raju.
Inaugurating the camp on Thursday, Ongole MLA D.Janardhana Rao promised to construct indoor and outdoor stadia at a cost of Rs. 40 crore in the city which had been lacking modern sporting infrastructure.
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“Work on the long-pending mini-stadium will be hastened,” he said amid loud cheers.
Ongole Deputy Superintendent of Police G. Srinivasa Rao impressed upon the students to keep themselves physically fit.
“Sound mind in a sound body is imperative for them to perform well in studies,” he added.
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AP Police Academy Asst. Director K. Raja Sikhamani underscored the need for improving sporting infrastructure in every nook and corner of the state to spot talented youth.
The Cloughpet Christian Youth Association has been organising every year soccer camp for the youth without fail in the last two decades.
Ongole had produced leading national and international football players.
They include Roger Benny, T. Edison, Y. Shaleem, K. Rupaz David, T. Rohit and T. Pradeep. Some of them will hone the skills of budding players during the camp.
Work on long-pending mini-stadium will be hastened, he says