Second edition of Nike U-16 football tourney kicks off

Mumbai, Jan 31: A total of 16 teams will be seen in action in the second edition of the Nike Premier Cup Under-16 football tournament that kicked off here on Tuesday.

Held in association with the All India Football Association (AIFF), the tournament aims at unearthing young talent from various parts of the country.

In just its second year, 55 teams across the country competed to earn one of the 16 spots in the main tournament that will be played across Goa and Mumbai till February 10.

Hailing the initiative, former India captain and AIFF Technical Committee Chairman Baichung Bhutia said: "There is a lot of young football talent in our country. These young footballers need a platform not just to showcase their talent but also to understand the technical aspects of the game and gain exposure."

"Nike Premier Cup is one such platform that helps young footballers to make the most out of the opportunity provided to them."

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said: "As the popularity for football continues to grow in our country, Nike Premier Cup serves as an initiative to build the sport at the grass root."

"Last year at the Nike Premier Cup, the scouting team were able to identify strong talent who are now probables for the upcoming marquee tournament at home. The Nike Premier Cup will truly help give these young athletes an opportunity to grow as footballers by playing against the best in their age group," he added.

The teams have been divided into four groups with the semi-finals slated for February 8 and the final to be played here on February 10.