New Delhi: As part of the Under-14 Schools Football Tournament-cum-Talent Hunt, Mahindra and Mahindra - in association with the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) - launched the Mahindra Youth Football Challenge (MYFC) here on Friday.
MYFC is a Mahindra Group initiative to develop soccer at the grassroot level in India and for this, the company has roped in Scotland's Celtics Football Club as a partner to train and groom young talent identified during the tournament.
The first season will see MYFC being played at six cities - Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Goa, Bangalore and Kerala. It will kickoff from October 25 with the intra-city leg in Delhi, which will see top 32 schools in the capital fighting it out to be crowned the 'Champion Club'. The winner of intra-city leg from each of the six cities will then play each other to decide the winner of MYFC.
Speaking to reporters at the launch, Mufaddal Choonia of Mahendra and Mahendra said: "We are happy to be part of this initiative...to make a difference to the game of football. When Mahendra makes a promise, it sticks to it."
When asked how Celtic became part of this initiative, he replied, ""We have been talking to most of top clubs because obviously we need a partner who is willing to provide the expertise... We found that Celtic was one club that shared our values.
"If you see how Celtic was even formed, the basis of the formation of Celtic is very similar to grassroot. They were the closest to our value system, shared our visions and values. So, therefore, it was the most natural marriage, if I may say that."
President of DCA, OP Malhotra, commended the steps taken by Mahindra Group and Procam International, the promoters of the tournament. "I must congratulate Mahindra and Procam to put us on the right track. Money is needed. They are ready to provide money...As far as DSA is concerned, we will provide our full cooperation."
As part of the initiative, there will be cash awards on offer. But the most exciting bit for the participating teams is a chance to learn from the visiting Celtics' coaches who will conduct a four-day coaching camp before the inter-city leg starts.
These coaches will also earmark 16 players to undergo further intensive training, following which two to four players will be picked to travel to Scotland.
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