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Football

Bhaichung Bhutia kicks off India’s largest football talent hunt

The effort, spanning 50 cities, is meant to create pathways for young footballers to rise through the ranks.

Bhaichung Bhutia kicks off India’s largest football talent hunt
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Bhutia feels that India needs a strong foundation and that youth development is vital. (File photo)

By

The Bridge Desk

Updated: 25 Sep 2024 2:35 PM GMT

Indian Football icon Bhaichung Bhutia has announced the country's largest-ever football trials aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent from across the country.

Starting this month, the nationwide talent hunt will span 50 cities, including Jalandhar, Patiala, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Mysuru, Mangalore, Bangalore and Belgaum.

Building a robust ecosystem

The trials is set to see over 6,000 players between the ages of 9-18 showcasing their skills in front AIFF/AFC certified Coaches.

Organized by Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) and powered by enJogo, this initiative is a massive step towards building a robust football ecosystem in India.

Through these trials, Bhutia aims to tap into the potential of youth from different regions, providing them with the opportunity to develop their skills at the BBFS Residential Academy.

Enjogo is India’s first full-stack sports learning platform, providing seamless online/offline sports training in Football (Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools), Badminton (Prakash Padukone Residential Academy) & Tennis (Nandan Bal Tennis Academy).

Highlighting his vision for football development, Bhaichung Bhutia remarked, “Football in India needs a strong foundation, and that starts with youth development. Our mission is to create pathways for young footballers to rise through the ranks, whether they come from big cities or remote areas. Through these trials, we hope to find and develop India’s next football stars.”

Access to world-class training facilities

The trials will be conducted in phases over seven months, with over 200 students participating in each city.

Those selected will be offered the chance to train at BBFS, which has a strong track record of producing professional players who have gone on to represent the Indian National Team.

Many players from BBFS have also represented India or been part of the Indian camp like Manbhakupar Malngiang, Lionel D Rymme, Bonifilia Shullai, Rohit Kumar, Deepika Pal, Wanshwa, Aryan Rathi, Anjana Thapa, Gaurav Bora

With the BBFS Residential Academy as the backbone of this initiative, the selected players will have access to world-class training facilities, experienced coaches, and comprehensive development programs designed to maximize their potential.

The academy serves as a springboard for players to eventually earn a spot on the Indian National Team.

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