The one of its kind talent hunt ever held in Kashmir valley by Real Kashmir FC saw 500 kids in the age group of eight years to 12 turning for the selection trials at Bakshi Stadium here from December 8 to 10.
Real Kashmir FC which I-League second division club based in Kashmir, on the back of proper development concept set by its foreign football experts like Head Coach David Robertson and Jimmy Lindsay both of Scotland conducted an open talent hunt selection from December 8 to 10 at Bakshi Stadium. In the open talent hunt players born between 2004 to 2008 were given chance to be part of the football school that club is about to establish. It was first time in Kashmir that a talent hunt in this age group was held.
A panel of selectors comprising David Robertson, Jimmy Lindsay, Ajaz Ahmad, Owais Farooq watched a group of 500 boys from various schools and academies during three days of talent hunt. The programme started with a brief interaction with parents, guardians of players, wherein Jimmy Lindsay, Head of Youth Development, shed light on programme and future course of the programme. The sessions continued for three days and during it talented kids were shortlisted to be Real Kashmir Football Development Nursery.
In his message on Real Kashmir FC official Facebook page David Robertson thanked all the parents and guardian of kids for being part of the first of its kind initiative in Kashmir.
“A big thank you to all the parents and children who attended our first ever Community Development Program at Bakshi Stadium over the past three days. This was also the first of its kind in Kashmir. The response was incredible and we are all excited as we prepare to launch the program in February,” he wrote.
“This is a program for all the children and youths within Kashmir. We are overwhelmed by the response and support that came for the past three days. In response to popular demand of the parents we have decided to add a girls program in the very near future. The Real Kashmir Community Development Program will give the children and youths great opportunities of having exercise, first class coaching and be a part of the Real Kashmir F.C family,” he added.
The selection process was open for all the grassroots level players from all over Kashmir and the exceptional talented players would be provided scholarship by the club.
“It was not mere a talent hunt but it was step towards better future for football in Kashmir. By roping in Scottish coaches Real Kashmir FC have set an idea into motion through this programe,” said Real Kashmir FC official Aijaz Ahmad.
“This type of establishing football nursery is nothing new in Scotland or other European nations but here in Kashmir it is totally new concept. We don’t train players so early in this age group in Kashmir age but they say that good talent can be developed only from this age group,: he added.
