Eleven Indian Under-16 boys have been selected to train with Manchester United Academy teams as part of the Airtel Rising Stars 2013-14 campaign.
Arka Dey and Rajib Roy from Kolkata, Mohammed Aqib and Karan Khurana from Delhi, goalkeeper Premchand Singh and Niraj Singh from Bangalore, Sanath Valldares and Akram Khan from Mumbai, Liston Colaco and Jolitan Dias from Goa besides Rakesh K. from Hyderabad have been selected by Manchester United youth coaches for a training stint in England. Kamshon Khongmalai and Azad Nirame from Bangalore, K. Nagaraju (goalkeeper), A. Rahul and Mohammed Kasheem from Hyderabad were named as standbys in case of any injuries and illness.
The eleven boys and the standbyes have been selected from 23 boys who were spotted for the Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) final trials in Goa during tournaments across the major Indian cities. The players had to undergo various test including physical attributes, individual skills, match situations and their performances in actual matches under the watchful eyes for the Manchester United youth coaches.
The Indian youngsters will travel to Manchester for a week and train alongside the Manchester United Academy teams.