The fourth edition of the United We Play (UWP) initiative saw an unprecedented surge in participation, engaging over 15,000 aspiring Indian footballers across 18 cities. The programme has established itself as a significant grassroots movement, fostering young talent and providing them a platform to showcase their skills on a national and international stage. The grand finale was recently held in Chandigarh with Manchester United legend Gary Neville attending, epitomizing the event’s prestige and reach.
The journey of United We Play began last December in Kolkata, where the programme was officially launched by former Manchester United and French footballer, Louis Saha. From that moment, this edition grew into the largest and most successful yet, reflecting the rising enthusiasm and passion for football among Indian youth. This initiative has become a beacon for young athletes, providing them with the valuable opportunity to develop under the rich legacy and tutelage of one of the world’s greatest football clubs—Manchester United.
At the culmination of the series, five exceptional players – PC Lalchhuanawma from Mizoram, Shreejal Kisku from Bhubaneswar, Mohd Ayan from Lucknow, Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar from Nepal, and Chanason Chaiyatham from Bangkok – emerged victorious. These promising talents were rewarded with an exclusive trip to Manchester’s iconic Old Trafford. This accolade will include a matchday experience, training sessions with the coaches from the Manchester United Soccer School, and interactions with revered club legends.
United We Play is driven by Apollo Tyres and Manchester United in collaboration, designed as an on-ground grassroots initiative aiming to channel young enthusiasm into structured football training. It underscores providing a global perspective and methodology to upcoming talent, empowering them to continue their pursuits in football with renewed vigour and professional understanding.
Gary Neville’s endorsement of the UWP underscores the calibre and significance of this initiative. Having carved an illustrious career with Manchester United, claiming eight Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League titles, Neville’s presence added a stamp of authenticity and encouragement for the young participants.
. Lauding the dedication and fervour witnessed among the young Indian footballers, he emphasized the importance of investing in youth development—the foundation upon which future successes are built.
Speaking at the finale, Neville commended Apollo Tyres and Manchester United for creating a platform that celebrates and nurtures young talent. “Delighted to see the dedication and passion for football among young children in India. Investing in youth development is extremely important, and I am very pleased to see the efforts of Apollo Tyres and Manchester United in having built this platform, which encourages the youth to pursue their passion for football,” Neville articulated with admiration. He further extended congratulations to the deserving players, reinforcing that experiences at Old Trafford will create lifelong memories and mark pivotal moments in their burgeoning careers.
Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President, Commercial, India and SAARC, Apollo Tyres Ltd, expressed the company’s commitment to bolstering the growth of football through UWP. He emphasized that seeing the programme’s expansion year after year brings immense satisfaction and is testament to its success. Dahiya also acknowledged the enriching presence of Gary Neville at the finale, which added a layer of prestige to the event. “Through this initiative, now in its fourth year, Apollo Tyres is committed to growing the game of football and helping emerging talent to express themselves,” he stated, extending thanks to Manchester United for their partnership and applauding the winners for their well-earned success.
The fourth edition of United We Play not only broke records in terms of participation but also extended its reach beyond India. The programme adeptly connected young footballers across regions, including Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Dubai, thereby enriching the cultural and training experiences shared among participants. Over 100 coaches were involved through virtual sessions with Manchester United Soccer Schools, ensuring consistent and high-quality training methodologies were relayed to every player.
United We Play continues to symbolize hope and opportunity for young footballers yearning to make their mark on the sport, fostering a future generation of players who may one day stand tall among the world’s best.
