Shillong,Aug. 16: Shillong Lajong Under-12 youth team will be participating in the very first edition of BRICS International Youth Football Tournament to be held in Putian, China today. The games will be held at the Putian Sports Center and is hosted by the local government of Putian and the General Administration of Sport of Putian, operated by Fujian Aoxuan Football club and Quansheng International Sports Management Co. Ltd.
Shillong Lajong FC Academy will be the only team to represent India in the tournament.
Other teams participating are: Fujian Outshion FC (China), Fluminense FC (Brazil), Luch-Energia Vladivostok FC (Russia), Panorama FC (South Africa), Beijing FA National Games U12 Team (China), Chongqing Yangjiaping Middle School Football Team (China), Dongguan Machong FC (China), Guangzhou R&F Football Club (China), UPBOX GZ Football Academy (China), Luoyang Xigong Fanglin Primary School Team (China), Changsha Yuhua Dexinyuan Primary School (China), Baotou Hadadao Primary School (China), Qingdao Kunpeng FC (China), Shannxi Wave FC (China), GreenTown Yuhua Taohuayuan School (China).
The 16 youth teams will be divided into four groups for group stage matches. The 2 top teams will then join the champion group to play for the title, while the other two teams of the group will continue to play the ranking round with the teams from other group. Each team will play at least five games.
Many other activities will be organised at the same time including friendly games for coaches, coaching conference, cultural exchange program and a tourism program.
Shillong Lajong General Manager, Habamutlang Lyngdoh said, ““We are extremely pleased that these young and talented players hailing from different parts of Meghalaya will be able to represent the country in the tournament. This tournament will definitely provide a good platform for our youngsters to showcase their talent and they will benefit immensely from their exposure in China. It is an important step and a great opportunity for their development and we wish all the players and officials the very best in this tournament.” ( source E-Pao.net)
