Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) For Kolkata boys Jayanto Mondal and Bishal Harijan and Bangalore’s Mani Maran it was hard to believe that they were the lucky trio selected for a once-in-a lifetime opportunity of training at Scottish football club Celtic.

With dreams in their eyes, the three under-14 footballers, who were selected in
the Mahindra Youth Football Challenge, will be on their way to Glasgow in mid-August for a 10-day camp and will enjoy all the facilities at Celtic’s state-of-the-art youth academy.

The Mahindra Youth Football Challenge was played across six cities and the three were selected from the 22 best players in a four-day camp conducted by three coaches from Celtic - Stephen Frail (head coach of Youth Academy), Ian Coll (head of Youth Academy Sports Science) and Greig Robertson (Academy coach).

Frail was impressed with the trio and said they had a bright future.

The Scotsman said Jayanto was an exciting wing half with a good turn of speed and great control over the ball while Bishal, the leading scorer of the inter-city tournament, was a promising striker and had the attributes of developing into a quality striker. He said Maran is a hardworking midfielder, with a good touch, great position sense and high levels on energy.

“The Mahindra Youth Football Challenge has been a great success. It provided a platform and opportunity for young players from across India to showcase their talent and, hopefully, earn a chance to further enhance their abilities when they visit Glasgow in August. Glasgow Celtic FC is very proud to be part of such a project,” said Frail.

“The enthusiasm and dedication of all the players, not just the selected 22, has been first class and a credit to the boys, their schools and their families. Hopefully, they have learnt something new and leave with lifelong memories,” he added.