Chandigarh Football Academy has won the North & East leg of Nike’s Manchester United Premier Cup at the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur after defeating BMSC. T. (MANIPUR) by 2- 1 in the finals.

The finalist of the North & East leg of Nike’s Manchester United Premier Cup will battle it against the finalist of the South & West leg in Goa to be crowned Nike’s MUPC India Champions.

Nike’s annual MUPC tournament that is held under the aegis of the All India Football Federation has become a strong platform in India to unearth football talent at the grass root level and to enable young footballers to get an opportunity to represent India at a global stage.

Speaking at the finale of the North & East leg, Syed Nabi, Indian Football team member said “Nike’s MUPC is a fantastic platform for young footballers to gain experience by competing against the best teams in the country and later the finest teams from across the globe. I wish both the teams good luck for the MUPC India finals”.

The U-15 tournament which was fiercely battled out by the best teams in the North & East regions of the country began on April 29, 2013. Nike’s MUPC will now move on to the Sesa Football Academy in Goa for the South & West leg of the tournament. Nike’s MUPC India finals will be held at the Duler Stadium in Goa on May 09, 2013.

Speaking from the Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur, Rajiv Kumar, PEO – TATA STEEL Ltd. said, “These past few days witnessed some of the most talented young footballers compete against each other to earn their place in Nike’s MUPC India Finals. We are delighted to have hosted such a premium tournament for the past two years. We wish both the finalist all the luck for the MUPC India Finals”.

In the twentieth global edition of MUPC, the India edition of the tournament promises an extraordinary level of competition, training and opportunities for young footballers to elevate their game. Nike’s Manchester United Premier Cup India leg will provide a rare opportunity for young footballers to play alongside two of the biggest Indian football athletes in an exhibition game in Goa on May 9, 2013.

Speaking from the Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur, Rajiv Kumar, PEO – TATA STEEL Ltd. said, “These past few days witnessed some of the most talented young footballers compete against each other to earn their place in Nike’s MUPC India Finals. We are delighted to have hosted such a premium tournament for the past two years. We wish both the finalist all the luck for the MUPC India Finals”.

In the twentieth global edition of MUPC, the India edition of the tournament promises an extraordinary level of competition, training and opportunities for young footballers to elevate their game. Nike’s Manchester United Premier Cup India leg will provide a rare opportunity for young footballers to play alongside two of the biggest Indian football athletes in an exhibition game in Goa on May 9, 2013.

HISTORY OF MUPC
Now in its 20th year, Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) is the ultimate global football experience for young footballers.

Founded by Nike in 1993 as the Premier Cup, Manchester United further raised the profile of the MUPC when they added their name to the tournament ten years later, as part of their joint commitment to the development of youth football across the globe.

Youngsters from grassroots teams to some of the biggest clubs in the world engage in local, regional and national competitions throughout the year, with their sights firmly set on a place at the MUPC World Finals, and an opportunity to meet, engage and learn from some of football’s brightest young stars of the future.

Early Premier Cup graduates now playing at the highest level for club and country include: Gérard Piqué, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) Robinho (Milan); Carlos Tevez (Manchester City); Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) and Fernando Torres (Chelsea).

What started out as an under-15 regional tournament involving 624 European clubs, has transformed into a global event, attracting some 9,000 participating teams from 43 countries across the world each year.

Over a million young hopefuls across the globe have already shared their passion, their hopes and their dreams as they are inspired to test both their skills and their ambition against the very best of
their peers. This year’s young hopefuls face the ultimate challenge as they strive to become the World Champions and raise the Manchester United Premier Cup at Old Trafford in August.

MUPC – IS the future of football, today.

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