MUMBAI: The twenty-two young Reliance Foundation Young Champs currently in England visited the Premier League headquarters in London as they entered the second week of their 11-day trip. The Young Champs have already visited the academies of Premier League outfits like Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Southampton since arriving in England on May 11 and will soon be visiting those of West Bromwich Albion, Manchester City and Liverpool before their scheduled departure on May 23.
After experiencing their first live premier league match at St, Mary’s Stadium on Sunday as Southampton hosted Crystal Palace, the youngsters travelled to the Premier League headquarters for a fun-and-educational session. The youngsters also received the opportunity to pose alongside the Premier League trophy and were addressed by Executive Chairman of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore.
Scudamore started his address by highlighting the world class youth development facilities on display at Premier League clubs. “You’ve already been to Chelsea, already been to Southampton, you’re here today and then travelling up the rest of the country, finally Manchester and Liverpool. You will see a complete spread of what’s best about Premier League Youth Development facilities,” he said.
However, Scudamore didn’t forget to emphasise that there was more to a footballer’s development than just excellent facilities. “But I don’t want you to leave your tour here thinking that it’s all about facilities. Your career development, youth development is primarily down to you as individuals. It is of course, not only about how good you are physically but also how good you are mentally,” he said.
He also stressed the need for top quality coaches to help the young budding talents further their footballing education. “Probably the most important thing is your coaching and the quality of your coaches and the coaches as mentors in the way they develop you. Realistically, it will be difficult in the next couple of years in terms of your development, to have an enormous amount of facilities in India like you’ll see this week.”
Scudamore ended his address to the Reliance Foundation Young Champs by stating that it was a privilege to have the young champs in England and encouraged the talented youngsters to enjoy their stay in England. “Most importantly, this week and next week just ensure you have fun and it’s really been a privilege of ours to host you, to be involved in your visit and it’s really great to see you,” he concluded.
