MUMBAI: Nike Monday kicked off the second edition of its Under-16 Premier Cup. Held in association with the All India Football Association (AIFF), this U-16 football tournament is organized with the aim of helping young athletes become better footballers. The tournament provides a stage to compete against the best in their age group while also serving as a scouting platform to identify talented young footballers in the country.
Fifty-five teams across the country competed to earn one of the spots at this year’s Nike Premier Cup. The 16 best teams are competing in the tournament that is being held in Goa and India's financial capital and running till February 10.
The teams have been divided into four groups. The group matches in Goa kick-startes Monday and go on till February 5. The group matches kicked off here Tuesday, running through till February 6.
The semi-finals will be held here on February 8.
The finals will be held on February 10 at the city's iconic Cooperage stadium where the two best teams in the tournament will compete for the Nike Premier Cup trophy.
Kushal Das, general secretary, AIFF 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 probable’s 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.”
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