In an effort to scout players for the current India U-16 National Team presently preparing for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has launched a Global Scouting Programme.

The programme, named the SAI–AIFF Overseas Scouting Project (OSP), will kick-off with on-field trials in Dubai on June 10-11 for 2000 & 2001 born boys residing in the UAE and nearby states/countries.

The programme which is targeted to boys currently holding solely Indian passports has been conceived by ex-India captain and AIFF Director of Scouting Abhishek Yadav and will move to other countries in the coming months.

The India U-17 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India during September/October 2017.

An online video management platform will be launched after the Dubai trials for eligible players residing outside India to submit their playing videos. The scouting team will watch these videos and shortlisted players would be invited for a round of on-field trials in their country of residence or to a country in that region.

Yadav will conduct these trials along with his scouting team with Indian U-17 Head Coach Nicolai Adam having another close look at the selected players before drafting them into the final World Cup squad.

Hailing the concept, AIFF President Praful Patel said its “essential that everyone gets a fair chance.”

“The U-17 World Cup is a significant event in the Indian Football Calendar and to ensure that we field our best team, the AIFF has ventured out to NRIs holding Indian passports to give their kids a chance to represent India,” he said.

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das thanked SAI, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports & the Ministry of External Affairs for backing this project.

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the wholehearted support of the Sports Ministry and SAI. I need to thank them for their support to ensure a foolproof scouting system as we zero down on the final squad for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup,” he stated.

Details of the Dubai trials are as follows:
• Dates: 10 June & 11 June, 2016
• Timings: Players should arrive at least 15 minutes in advance.
• Morning sessions: 07.00 to 10.00 local time – for Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujaira, Ras Al Khaima& Umm Al Quwain residents
• Evening sessions: 20.00 to 22.00 local time – for the benefit of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain & other residents in view of Ramadan
• Venue: The Indian High School, OudMetha Road, Dubai, UAE (natural grass pitch)
• Local Coordinator: Mohammed Shanavas (Phone +97 1502030745)

The strict eligibility criteria for players are as follows:
• Boys born in 2000 or 2001.
• Must hold a valid Indian passport& carry a copy of the main passport pages to the trials.
• Must be physically fit to play at the trials.
• The trials are open & free for all those who meet the criteria.

Other information:
• Registration will be carried out on arrival at the venue.
• Players will have to play in an appropriate kit of their own: jersey’s, shorts, football shoes & socks, shin guards.
• Drinking water will be provided at the trials; medical assistance will be present.
• Players should be ready to attend trials on both days.

For further information, contact:
Vikram Nanivadekar (nanivadekar.vikram@gmail.com / Phone: +91 98690 37840)
Mohammed Shanavas, Local Project Coordinator (shanavas.sept@gmail.com / Phone: +97 1502030745)

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)