Joel Fernandes, Endurance Chukwuma , Akeraj Martins and Gawin Pinto were adjudged as the four ‘Airtel Rising Stars' at the Goa talent hunt that concluded at Poriat ground, Calangute on Sunday.
The players were selected based on the aspects mentioned in the Manchester United Scouting guidelines. The experienced and watchful eyes of the coaches judged the players on their performance, taking into consideration their physical and mental strengths, expertise in position, and technical acumen.
Based on their expertise and skills test in the city camp, Joel, Endurance, Akeraj and Gawin were selected. The three footballers from Goa will join players from 16 other centres to participate in the six-day final selection trial, scheduled to take place in Bangalore this September.
Gawin Pinto who was selected as the goal Keeper will have to compete against the other West Zone (Pune, Ahmedabad and Mumbai) goal keepers for the final selection.
Out of a total of 115 shortlisted players on Day 1, 44 players were selected purely based on their expertise and test skills, out of which 4 were goal keepers. The players were tested on the player's ability to dribble the ball through the finish line, close range passing, chest use and kick, trapping & movement, agility movement with the ball and one on one tackling.
The players from Goa will join 45 other players, who will be divided into four teams of 12 each and will be tested on all parameters, before 12 of the best players are chosen to travel to Manchester United for a week and to train alongside the Manchester United Academy team.
Mr. Ramesh Menon - CEO, Maharashtra &Goa, Bharti Airtel ''Football is the most popular sport in Goa and most youth start early with kickoffs. Airtel Rising Stars program will promote football among these young football enthusiasts. The enthusiasm of young players that we witnessed in Goa was amazing. Airtel Rising Stars offers talented young players across India a phenomenal chance to participate and enjoy football in a structured and well run format. We have received a huge response from across the country and we hope all these young players excel with every new opportunity that has come their way. Congratulations to all the selected players, wishing them for the best future on football.