Mumbai: On 18 May, Dream Foundation (DF), the philanthropic arm of Dream Sports, one of India’s leading sports technology companies, announced the expansion of its three-year football training and development programme in collaboration with the Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia. The partnership, which is an extension of initiatives launched by the foundation in the Northeast, will play a critical role in training 50 young talented football players and support the growth of the sport in India.
The partnership was announced in the presence of Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma and former Indian Football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia. A friendly football match was played with the young athletes who have been selected for the programme this year. Advanced footballers from the programme in the U-17 category, will undergo specialised training in New Delhi.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said, “I thank Dream Foundation and Bhaichung Bhutia for this initiative and for selecting Meghalaya for the first such program in the region. It shows that Meghalaya has great potential. We are making policies to make the state a sporting powerhouse. To the youngsters here I say, Dream Big and don’t give up. I hope each one of you is able to represent our great nation someday”.
Former Indian football captain and advisor to DF, Bhaichung Bhutia said, “Over the years, Dream Foundation has played a significant role in our mission to provide life-changing opportunities for budding footballers. Our athletes have greatly grown and succeeded under the programme and we hope to extend this support to many more young players and contribute to the vision of making India a sporting nation”.
Dream Sports chief operating officer & co-founder Bhavit Sheth said, “As long-term partners with a shared vision to make sports better, we are thrilled to bring more young athletes into the programme. We are seeing a significant increase in interest and potential for football in India. The Dream Foundation is committed to enabling athletes to unlock their full potential by supporting their overall development”.
As part of the program, Dream Foundation will also be working towards the holistic development of the athletes and provide them with lodging, nutrition, education, coaching, training, and equipment, apart from opportunities to participate in National and International tournaments. The selected athletes will receive their academic education at the Army Rifles Public School, Shillong, and Vedas International School, New Delhi, while they complete their training program.
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