Dubai, UAE : India Khelo Football, a pioneering India-based grassroots not-for-profit entity to nurture football talent globally will hold its UAE trials on January 20 and 21, 2024, in Ajman and Dubai respectively.
The IKF’s first talent hunt initiative outside India in strategic partnership with its Middle East representative, the UAE-based Bluarrows Marketing, will offer a one-of-its-kind opportunity for young aspiring football players in the UAE to showcase their skills and get selected for further grooming, paving the way for them to play in I-leagues and Indian Super League Clubs.
“The UAE trails mark IKF’s mission to expand our footprints globally to reinforce our mission to democratize scouting of football talent leading to the training of the selected candidates in Indian and European football academies, and subsequently get mega placements in renowned football clubs across the world,” said Mr. Phani Bhushan, Founder of IKF.
IKF trial seasons in India had evoked huge interest last year and before which covered some 40 cities and villages across the country with the participation of over 5,000 aspiring talents. The trial games were played in front of representatives from global football academies, clubs and agents keen to hunt fresh talent to foster global football.
“Our endeavor is to reflect the zest we saw in our trials in India in the UAE. We consider the UAE as our first step in expanding in the Middle East region as well as countries across the world to foster a community of football aspirants and lovers of the game. We believe that the UAE is our stepping stone in embarking on a global journey that transcends borders and cultures,” said Mr. Hitesh Joshi, Co-Founder of IKF.
The entire talent programme which will be held in the presence of scouts from India will be recorded. The final stage of the talent hunt will be held on February 4, 2024 in the presence of representatives from major football clubs.
The UAE trial initiative has already found resounding enthusiasm from young football talents in the UAE with registrations on the rise. “With the UAE and the Middle East being a huge football loving region, IKF’s entry marks yet another milestone in finding talents who would be an asset for world football in future. Definitely, there is a palpable rise in football fever in the UAE and the region post the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar catalyzing the passion among the aspiring football players to develop their skills to become professionals,” said Mr. Rajesh Ravi Menon of Bluarrows Marketing.
For IKF the UAE trials also signify creating a bridge between the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East with the help of football’s universal language, added, Mr. Joshi.
