Pune FC has decided to send upcoming city youngster Pranav Kale for a training programme to Japan.

This first-of-its-kind stand by the club comes in light of Pune FC’s committed quest to support “exceptionally talented” young footballers to further dreams.

Eleven year old, Pranav, who represents Pune FC Under-12s, will be on a 13-day training programme at a top J-League Division 1 club.

Pranav’s trip is being facilitated by Pune FC and the club’s long serving medio Arata Izumi.

Pune FC Head Operations Chirag Tanna said, “Pranav has been training in our youth set up for a few years now and we are glad to facilitate his trip to go and train in Japan. Arata has been coaching the youth teams in the offseason and has been instrumental in setting this up. Everyone at the club wishes Pranav the very best of luck.”

Having trained at the club’s Summer Camp regularly since he was nine-years-old in 2011, Pranav’s natural talent was discovered by Pune FC’s coaches and Arata who continued to monitor his progress.

Impressed with the youngster’s footballing abilities, the Japanese-born India International arranged for a training stint after getting in touch with a few teams in Japan. Arata will also be accompanying Pranav on this trip and the duo has already left for Japan.

Arata said, “Japan has one of the finest youth development systems in the region helping them produce players who go on to make a mark in Asia and Europe. The programme will be a benchmark experience as a football player for Pranav to observe and absorb the core competencies required for a tough competition. This would apprise him of his strengths and positively influence areas he needs to work on.”

KNOW PRANAV KALE

Name: Pranav Kale
Age: 11 years old
School: Loyola High School, Pashan, Pune
Standard: VII
Began playing: Since he was 5 years old
Likes to play: As a Striker

Achievements:

With Pune FC
– Winners – Kolkata Cup, Kolkata (Dec 2013)
– Runners Up – IFS Cup 2014, Mumbai – won top goal scorer award (Feb 2014)

Others
– Under 14 Zilla Parishad Tournament 2013
– Under 12 Zilla Parishad Tournament 2013 – won top goal scorer award