GANGTOK,: Four talented young footballers from Sikkim left for Mumbai today to join Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC), a football academy that runs a residency programme to help nurture young talents in India.
Prabhat Rai, Ishan Mazi, Soham Rai and Dipankar Chhetri were selected for the opportunity to train at RFYC academy following the selection trials held in December last year at Bhaichung Stadium, Namchi and TNA Ground, Gangtok, informs a press release.
The selection trials was conducted by Reliance’s head of scout Stephen Charles and regional scout Rohan Raj Pradhan. This year, the RFYC has shortlisted 54 such budding footballers from across India for advanced coaching.
Before their departure, Sikkim Football Association president Menla Ethenpa had an interaction with the players and their parents. He encouraged the players to approach the training with dedication, highlighting the privilege of being selected for the country’s top football coaching centre under the Reliance Foundation.
He further informed the provision of sending the players to Brazil or Europe for further advanced coaching upon successful completion of their training.
SFA general secretary Phurba Sherpa thanked RFYC for conducting the trials in Sikkim.