Airtel Rising Stars - Goa: Joel, Akeraj & Endurance make finals!

Joel Fernandes from Holy Cross High School, Siolim; along with Akeraj Martins and Endurance Chukwuma both from Don Bosco High School, Panaji were adjudged as the three 'Airtel Rising Stars' at the Jaipur talent hunt that concluded at the city’s St. Xavier’s School Football Ground. The players were selected on criteria based on the aspects mentioned in the Manchester United Scouting Guidelines.

Gavin Pinto from Saraswat Vidyalaya HSS, Khorlim was selected among all the goalkeepers. Gavin will join keepers from the western region for the next level trials for goalkeepers on August 22 in Mumbai.

The experienced and watchful eyes of the coaches judged the players on their performance, taking into consideration their physical and mental strengths, expertise in position, and technical acumen. Based on their expertise in the city camp Joel Fernandes, Akeraj Martins and Endurance Chukwama were selected. The three footballers from Goa will join players from 15 other centres to participate in the six-day final selection trial, scheduled to take place in Bangalore this September.

Ramesh Menon, the CEO for Maharashtra & Goa at Bharti Airtel, said, "Football is the most popular sport in Goa and most youth start early with kick-offs. Airtel Rising Stars program will promote football among these young football enthusiasts. The enthusiasm of young players that we witnessed in Goa was amazing."

The 115 footballers who were shortlisted on Day one but failed to make it to the camp will get another opportunity to make their 'Airtel Rising Stars' dream come true next season. They will also receive Manchester United certificates, signed by none other than Sir Alex Fergusson.

Launched in association with Manchester United, 'Airtel Rising Stars' is a rigorous scouting program that will cover 16 cities across India and will choose 12 talented footballers who get the chance-of-a-lifetime to attend a week long training camp with Manchester United in Old Trafford, England.

The three best players from Goa will join 45 other players, who will be divided into four teams of 12 each and will be tested on all parameters (including physical attributes, individual skills, match situations and their performances in actual matches) before the 12 best players are chosen to travel to Manchester United for a week and to train alongside the Manchester United Academy team.