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.

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.

Chhetri: First focus on Asia, then think World Cup

Sunil Chhetri, Indian national team captain and the AIFF Player of the Year 2011, spoke in Delhi today on the sidelines of an event about a topic which is important when it comes to Team India and the expectations from fans who always which we would play in the FIFA World Cup without knowing that we have to build a reputation in and across Asia first.

"World Cup is a distant thing. Right now our focus should be on doing something good in Asia. If we set high goals at the moment we are going to get frustrated. So we should first look to do something in our continent. As they say you should take small steps and not rush to the goal," Sunil Chhetri said.

A very valid point from Sunil then many forget when they dream about playing in the World Cup that India has to ideally establish itself amongst the Top 10 in Asia before even dreaming to play a World Cup, then North Korea causing an upset and getting through to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa happens rarely in Asian football then normally the biggies like Japan, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Iran are the top candidates to go through with sides from the Middle East like Bahrain and Qatar aiming to qualify, but having failed so far.

We need to play over the next decade the AFC Asian Cup regularly, 2011 with the comeback after 27 years was a good comeback. Now it should become normal for India to play at the highest level in Asia.

Also present at the event in Delhi was former Manchester United star and Trinidad&Tobago captain Dwight Yorke who said, "To see India playing in the World Cup one day, that is going to be the dream and with the support from the AIFF and the government we will see Indian players playing at the top level."

Airtel Rising Stars: Young Indian Footballers chance to train at Manchester United

India's Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, today announced the kick-off of 'Airtel Rising Stars' – India's largest under-16 soccer talent hunt. 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.

This announcement was made in a press conference held in the presence of Manchester United football legend Dwight Yorke, Sanjay Kapoor (CEO – India & South Asia, Bharti Airtel) as well as India captain and ARS brand ambassador Sunil Chhetri. This 3-months long talent hunt, which starts in mid-July 2012, will be conducted in 16 cities (including Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Kolkata, Bangalore, Calicut, Chandigarh and Jaipur) with the support of the respective State and District Football Associations.

"Followed by over 1.6 billion fans worldwide, soccer is a cult sport amongst youngsters across the globe. In fact, millions in the Indian subcontinent closely follow the game and aspire to play alongside professional soccer players. Given the mass appeal of football and a large youth population, we are uniquely positioned to tap and nurture young soccer talent. Aimed at recognizing and training such talent, we are today excited to launch 'Airtel Rising Stars' as a hunt for the best under-16 soccer players across India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. As a game, soccer represents the principles of team-play and 'friendship' - thus making it a perfect fit for brand Airtel. We see 'Airtel Rising Stars' as an exciting strategic step towards strengthening our brand positioning and appeal to the youth," said Sanjay Kapoor of Airtel.

Manchester United's Commercial Director, Richard Arnold said, "We are very pleased to associate with the 'Airtel Rising Stars' programme in India and look forward to working closely with a number of extremely talented players. With 35 million Manchester United followers India is one of our fastest growing fan bases and I have no doubt that we will see equally talented individuals in this country too. The programme is one of the largest of its kind in India and it is a great opportunity for us to work with these talented players in order to coach them on how to play the Manchester United way."

The unique format of 'Airtel Rising Stars' program will ensure that every player gets an equal opportunity to showcase his skills and playing acumen through a series of selection criteria, overseen by renowned and officially certified coaches in each centre. The best three players from each of the 16 cities will then be picked to attend a final six-day camp-cum-selection trial conducted by coaches from Manchester United. The 48 players will be divided into four teams of 12 each and will be tested on parameters which include physical attributes, individual skills, match situations and their performances in actual matches before 12 of the best players are chosen to travel to Manchester for a week and to train alongside the Manchester United Academy team.

The on-ground execution of 'Airtel Rising Stars' has been entrusted to Mumbai-based Procam International.

For participation in ARS and more information, visit www.facebook.come/airtelsoccer .

In 2009, Bharti Airtel had announced its tie-up with Manchester United to bring a variety of benefits for Airtel's football loving customers in India. As part of this association, Airtel customers across India have been enjoying exclusive access to Manchester United football content as well as money-can't-buy match experiences. The 'Airtel Rising Stars' programme is an extension of this long term association between brand Airtel and Manchester United.