12 Indian children to train at Manchester United Soccer Schools

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Twelve children from India have been chosen for a training stint at the Manchester Soccer Schools in London later this year.

Airtel Rising Stars, an initiative launched by Bharti Airtel, on Friday selected a dozen students who will travel to England to train at the prestigious school in November.

"Today (Friday) we have found our 12 rising stars who will rub shoulders with the best at the Manchester Soccer School at London," Bharti Airtel Global Brand Director, Bharat Bambawale told reporters here.

Four other boys have been selected as standbys in case of any injury, illness or passport/visa problems occur to any of the selected players, Bambawale added.

In a five-day selection camp, which took place under the guidance of Manchester United coaches, 52 players received important tips and nuances from Manchester United legend and former England football captain, Bryan Robson.

The 52 shortlisted players were put through paces by four Manchester United coaches -- Michael McClean, Mick Bennett, Andrew Cunningham and Kevin O'Connell. The camp was a culmination of the three month-long talent hunt, which was conducted across 16 cities with the support of the respective state and district associations.

Hailing the talent hunt program that was launched on June 26 in the presence of Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke, Karnataka State Football Association President Khaleel said this will help in nurturing young talents in the country.

"Airtel Rising Stars is a great initiative by Airtel that will help nurture young football talent in the country and give the much needed boost to the sport," Khaleel said.

12 selected players: Mukul Mohindra (Goalkeeper) and Kartikeya Swarup from New Delhi, Russel Lyndoh and Remitri Thama from Shillong, Ashish Sharma and Porus F Shroff from Mumbai, Jijo and Rahul from Kochi, Afdal from Calicut, Krishanu Santra from Kolkata, Teja Pawan Kumar from Hyderabad and Rushabh Dhere from Pune.

Four standbys: Mohammad Shafi (Goalkeeper) from Calicut, Jordan Fernandes from Pune, and Akeraj Martins and Joel Fernandes from Goa.