VIDEO: Bryan Robson - The Legend (ARS Series)

As the inaugural Indian-leg of the Airtel Rising Stars came to a close in Bangalore last month, Manchester United legend Bryan Robson flew down to inspire and motivate the Rising Stars in their attempt to make the final 12. Bryan gives insights on the so-called 'greatest club in the world ever' and talks about how important youth is for the development of football.

VIDEO: Karim Bencharifa's Coach Speak (ARS Series)

Salgaocar SC's successful coach Karim Bencherifa talks about what qualities coaches look for in young budding footballers at youth camps like the Airtel Rising Stars.

Airtel Rising Stars: 12 Indian boys chosen to train at Manchester United Soccer School!

12 Indian Under-16 boys have been chosen from thousands who participated across the country in the Airtel Rising Stars program to train at the Manchester United Soccer Schools later this year.

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

Four goalkeepers and 48 field players were chosen from the three month-long talent hunt for a final coaching camp which was held over the last five days in Bangalore with the best 12 boys chosen to travel to Manchester with four boys on standbye in case of any injury, illness or passport/visa problems occur to any of the selected players.

The 52 shortlisted players were put through paces by four Manchester United coaches -- Michael McClean, Mick Bennett, Andrew Cunningham and Kevin O'Connell besides also getting inputs from former Manchester United captain and now the clubs global ambassador Bryan Robson.


12 Selected Boys

Mukul Mohindra (Goalkeeper, New Delhi), V.K. Afdal (Malappuram), Rushabh Dhere (Pune), Jijo (Kochi), Teja Pawan Kumar (Hyderabad), Russel Lyndoh (Shillong), Rahul (Kochi), Krishanu Santra (Kolkata), Ashish Sharma (Mumbai), Porus F. Shroff (Mumbai), Kartikeya Swarup (New Delhi), Remitri Thama (Shillong)

Four standbys
Mohammad Shafi (Goalkeeper, Calicut), Joel Fernandes (Goa), Jordan Fernandes (Pune), Akeraj Martins (Goa)

VIDEO - News9: Bryan Robson speaks about Man Utd, Indian talent & more...

In another interview with News 9 TV former Manchester United captain and now brand ambassador Bryan Robson spoke about the Red Devils, the talent in India and much more...

VIDEO - IBN: Bryan Robson speaks about Man Utd, India & more...

Former Manchester United captain and now brand ambassador Bryan Robson is in Bangalore for the finale of the first season of the 'Airtel Rising Stars' program to pick 12 Indian Under-16 boys to visit Manchester United. Bryan speaks about the Red Devils, India and much more to CNN-IBN...

Airtel Rising Stars - Guwahati: Nengolson, Vishal, Dipankar & Techi selected!

A. Nengolson (Manipur), Vishal Saha (Nagaon), Dipankar Sonowal (SAI, Guwahati) and Techi Tatra (Arunachal Pradesh) were adjudged as the three 'Airtel Rising Stars' plus goalkeeper at the Guwahati two day talent hunt that was held over the weekend in Guwahati. The players were selected on criteria based on the aspects mentioned in the Manchester United Scouting Guidelines.

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 A. Nengolson, Vishal Saha, Dipankar Sonowal and Techi Tatra were selected. The three footballers plus goalkeeper from Guwahati will join players from 15 other centres to participate in the six-day final selection trial, scheduled to take place in Bangalore from September 10.

In total 548 children took part with 50 boys shortlisted from Day one and from there the final three field players were chosen. Those who 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 Guwahati 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.

VIDEO: Indian Football Fathers (ARS Series)

As part of the video series of the Airtel Rising Stars they interviewed the fathers of contestants in Mumbai. The outcome was an interesting mix of ideas and reactions from the football dads...

Airtel Rising Stars - Kozhikode: Lazim, Afdal, Shafi and P. Fihas selected!

Lazim Ali (Malappuram), V.K. Afdal (Malappuram), C.V. Muhammed Shafi (Wayanad) and P. Fihas (Kozhikode) were adjudged as the three 'Airtel Rising Stars' plus goalkeeper at the Kozhikode two day talent hunt that concluded yesterday at the Municipal Corporation Stadium. The players were selected on criteria based on the aspects mentioned in the Manchester United Scouting Guidelines.

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 Lazim Ali, V.K. Afdal, C.V. Muhammed Shafi and P. Fihas were selected. The three footballers plus goalkeeper from Kozhikode will join players from 15 other centres to participate in the six-day final selection trial, scheduled to take place in Bangalore from September 10.

In total 950 children took part with 80 boys shortlisted from Day one with the list cut down to 34 and from there the final three field players were chosen. Those who 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 Kozhikode 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.

Airtel Rising Stars - Kolkata: Swaruk, Abdul & Krishanu make finals!

Swaruk Hossain, Abdul Halim Lashkar and Krishanu Santra were adjudged as the three 'Airtel Rising Stars' at the Kolkata talent hunt that concluded yesterday at the Howrah Maidan. The players were selected on criteria based on the aspects mentioned in the Manchester United Scouting Guidelines.

Koustav Chakraborty, son of former goalkeeper Sudipto Chakraborty, was selected among all the goalkeepers. Koustav will join keepers from the East/Northeastern region for the next level trials for goalkeepers.

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 Swaruk Hossain, Abdul Halim Lashkar and Krishanu Santra were selected. The three footballers from Kolkata will join players from 15 other centres to participate in the six-day final selection trial, scheduled to take place in Bangalore from September 10.

The 116 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 Kolkata 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.

VIDEO: Dwight Yorke - A Footballer from a Cricketing Country (ARS Series)

As part of the Airtel Rising Stars - Video Series Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri is in conversation with former Manchester United and Trinidad&Tobago striker Dwight Yorke. This time they speak about the current situation of footballers in a cricket dominated country, also Dwight speaks of his journey, hardships and all his experiences one has in such situations.

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.

Airtel Rising Stars - Goa: Set for August 18/19 trials

The Airtel Rising Stars programme, a nationwide under-16 soccer talent hunt, will hold its Goan-leg over the weekend of August 18/19 at the Poriat Ground in Calangute.

Interested children born on or after 1st January, 1996 can register through the official Facebook Fanpage www.facebook.come/airtelsoccer . Forms can also be collected from the Goa Football Association at GFA office, 5th Floor, Atmaram Commercial Complex, Opp Nova Goa Hotel, Panaji, Goa 403 001.

Also local Goans schools have been invited to send their top 12 footballers in the same age group to the open trials. The schools have been asked to send in their list of participants to the above address by sending a written letter to the GFA office address listed above by August 10.

Out of all applicants who appear on the first day, 120 boys will be short listed and called back on Day two (August 19) for further individual screening, while at the end of the second day there will be three finalists from Goa, who would then participate in the national finals.

The Airtel Rising Stars programme is spread over three months with the talent hunt being conducted in 16 Indian cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Panaji, Kolkata, Bangalore, Calicut, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Shillong, Pune, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad and Jaipur, all with the support of the respective State and District Football Associations.

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

The best three players from each of the 16 cities will be picked to attend a final six-day camp-cum-selection trial conducted by coaches from Manchester United. These 48 players 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 12 of the best players are chosen to travel to Manchester United for a week and to train alongside the Manchester United Academy team.

VIDEO: What makes a perfect footballer? (ARS Series)

As part of the Airtel Rising Stars - Video Series Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri is in conversation with former Manchester United and Trinidad&Tobago striker Dwight Yorke, who shares vital tips on how to be a great footballer. Yorke talks about various aspects of being a young aspiring footballer.

Airtel Rising Stars - Jaipur: Digvijay, Ishan & Shubham the winners!

Digvijay Singh from St.Anselm's, Mansrovar; Ishan Rozario from St. Xavier's School and Shubham Sharma from St.Anselm's, Ajmer were adjudge 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.

Gajraj Singh of Mayoor Chopasni School, Jodhpur was selected among all the goalkeepers. Gajraj will join four other goalkeepers from Delhi, Chandigarh and Lucknow for the next level trials for goalkeepers.

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 Digvijay Singh, Ishan Rozario and Shubham Sharma were selected. The three footballers from Rajasthan will join players from 15 other centres to participate in the six-day final selection trial, scheduled to take place in Bangalore this September.

Airtel CEO Sudipto Chowdhury congratulated the chosen boys from Jaipur and said, "With the expertise of Procam International, Airtel Rising Stars offers talented young players across India a phenomenal chance to participate and enjoy football in a structured and well run format. It was incredible to see hundreds of young aspirants playing their best game and we were pleased to find these three exceptionally talented players in Jaipur."

"Our best wishes are with these players and all others selected from across the country and hope they go on to achieve their ultimate dreams."

The 120 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 Jaipur 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.

Photos - Airtel Rising Stars: Delhi Trials - Day 4

The Airtel Rising Stars programme, a nationwide under-16 soccer talent hunt, held its fourth and final day in the capital Delhi yesterday with youngsters presenting themselves at the city's Dr. Ambedkar Stadium to display their skill with Agaiya Sharma, Kartikeya Swarup and Amit Dhankhar qualifying for the final round.

Airtel Rising Stars - Delhi: Agaiya, Kartikeya & Amit the winners!

Agaiya Sharma from The Airforce Public School - Subroto Park, Kartikeya Swarup from Delhi Public School - Noida and Amit Dhankhar from C.R.P.F Public School - Rohini were adjudged as the three 'Airtel Rising Stars' at the Delhi-leg of the national under-16 talent hunt that concluded at the city's Dr. Ambedkar Stadium today. The players were selected on criteria based on the aspects mentioned in the Manchester United Scouting Guidelines.

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 Agaiya Sharma, Kartikeya Swarup and Amit Dhankhar were selected. The three footballers from Delhi will join players from 15 other centres to participate in the six-day final selection trial, scheduled to take place in Bangalore this September.

The 120 footballers who were shortlisted 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 Ferguson.

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

These best players from Delhi 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 12 of the best players are chosen to travel to Manchester United for a week and to train alongside the Manchester United Academy team.

Photos - Airtel Rising Stars: Delhi Trials - Day 3

The Airtel Rising Stars programme, a nationwide under-16 soccer talent hunt, held its three day in the capital Delhi yesterday with youngsters presenting themselves at the city's Dr. Ambedkar Stadium to display their skill.

Airtel Rising Stars - Delhi: 132 Players Selected among 3,000 Participants

The Airtel Rising Stars programme, a nationwide under-16 soccer talent hunt, got off to an outstanding start in Delhi. In three days, approx. 3,000 young children participated at the city's Dr. Ambedkar Stadium to display their skill and convince the coaches of their talent.

All the participants showed tremendous potential, confidence and enthusiasm to prove their capability at the football camp. These young participants were divided into 6-player teams and they played 6-a-side matches on 1/3rd size of the football ground, officiated by professional referees.

The participants got an equal opportunity and time to demonstrate their skills. Parents, friends and mentors cheered all these footballers to play their best game. After the trials of three days, a total of 132 participants have been selected by officially certified and renowned coaches for the final selection camp in Delhi.

On the final day, Tuesday, three players will be chosen from these 132 selected participants, who will represent Delhi at the national level selection camp. These three players will be shortlisted purely on their talent and expertise. These include technical and tactical skills, physical and mental strength, communication, discipline, enthusiasm and fair play.

Spread over three months, the talent hunt will be conducted in 16 Indian cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Panaji, Kolkata, Bangalore, Calicut, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Shillong, Pune, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad and Jaipur, all with the support of the respective State and District Football Associations.

The best three players from each of the 16 cities will be picked to attend a final six-day camp-cum-selection trial conducted by coaches from Manchester United. 48 players 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 12 of the best players are chosen to travel to Manchester United for a week and to train alongside the Manchester United Academy team.

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

Photos - Airtel Rising Stars: Delhi Trials - Day 2

The Airtel Rising Stars programme, a nationwide under-16 soccer talent hunt, held its second day in the capital Delhi yesterday with youngsters presenting themselves at the city's Dr. Ambedkar Stadium to display their skill.

Here some photos from the events second day in Delhi:

Photos - Airtel Rising Stars: Delhi Trials - Day 1

The Airtel Rising Stars programme, a nationwide under-16 soccer talent hunt, kicked-off in the capital Delhi yesterday to an outstanding start with approx. 1,400 young participants presenting themselves at the city's Dr. Ambedkar Stadium to display their skill.

Here some photos from the events first day in Delhi: