The launch of the fourth edition of United We Play marked a significant moment in Indian youth football, held in the vibrant city of Kolkata in December last year. This much-anticipated event was inaugurated by the esteemed former Manchester United and French footballer Louis Saha, setting the stage for a promising season.
The fourth edition of United We Play turned out to be its biggest season yet, engaging more than 15,000 young Indian football enthusiasts across 18 cities nationwide. The program reached a thrilling climax in Chandigarh, where Manchester United legend Gary Neville, an all-time great, was present to witness the unfolding of talent and passion. The grand finale was highlighted by remarkable performances from five young footballers from various regions: PC Lalchhuanawma from Mizoram, Shreejal Kisku representing Bhubaneswar, Mohd Ayan from Lucknow, Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar from Nepal, and Chanason Chaiyatham from Bangkok. These five emerging champions earned the distinction of becoming the winners for the fourth edition of United We Play, an initiative backed by Apollo Tyres in partnership with Manchester United.
For these talented individuals, the triumph brings an extraordinary opportunity to experience the world of football at a global level. They are set for an exciting journey to Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United, where they will partake in a range of captivating activities. This includes experiencing a matchday at Old Trafford, engaging in training sessions with esteemed Manchester United Soccer School coaches, and interacting with football legends, offering them a taste of football excellence.
United We Play serves as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing football talent from diverse geographies. It provides a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills, with an overarching goal of motivating them to persist in their pursuit of football and introducing them to international training methodologies. The program emphasizes the importance of youth development in sports, fostering a commitment to support emerging talent.
Gary Neville, revered as one of the finest right-backs in football history, has left an indelible mark on the sport. His illustrious career, entirely dedicated to Manchester United, saw him clinch eight English Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League victories.
. A loyalty to his club is underscored by his impressive 602 appearances for Manchester United, complemented by his 85 representations for the England national team over 12 years.
During the finale, Gary Neville expressed his delight at the dedication and zeal displayed by young Indian footballers. He emphasized the significance of investing in youth development and lauded the efforts of Apollo Tyres and Manchester United for creating such a platform. “I am thrilled to see the passion for football among young children in India. I am very pleased to witness the commitment of Apollo Tyres and Manchester United in building this platform, encouraging the youth to pursue their passion for the sport,” Neville remarked.
The launch event also saw Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President, Commercial, India and SAARC, Apollo Tyres Ltd, sharing his thoughts on the initiative. He expressed immense pleasure in witnessing the growth and success of United We Play, especially with the presence of Gary Neville, a football legend. “It gives us great satisfaction to watch the United We Play program expand year after year. This final was extra special due to the presence of Gary Neville. Through this initiative, Apollo Tyres remains committed to growing the game of football and supporting young talent,” Dahiya commented.
The latest edition was notably expansive, reaching out to 18 cities across India, with over 100 coaches engaged through virtual training sessions by Manchester United Soccer Schools. The program ensures that the teachings and methods reach every footballer involved, extending its influence to cities in Asia Pacific and the Middle East including Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Dubai.
The fourth season of United We Play has left a lasting impact, reinforcing its role as a transformative platform for aspiring footballers, enabling them to explore opportunities beyond borders and embrace global football training standards.
