Two-day U-17 football World Cup team trials begin in Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 22: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) began its two-day trial camp for the North zone here on Tuesday to select players for the U-17 World Cup to be hosted by India next year.

The AIFF is conducting their second trial camp after completing a similar two-day camp in Kalyani, West Bengal.

The AIFF's director scouting and former India captain Abhishek Yadav will be scrutinising the assembled 48 boys from 10 clubs to determine "whether they are good enough for the U-17 World Cup 2017".

"I would like to thank all the clubs for sending their best players for the trials. It's really encouraging to find the buoyant group of boys turning up for the session," Abhishek Yadav told www.the-aiff.com on Tuesday.

The boys were divided into separate teams to play practice matches against the U-18 team of a local club who are going to compete in the Delhi zone of the U-18 I-League.

"This session will help these boys learn new skills and judge themselves. Over the course of their career, this will definitely aid them to reach the next level," Yadav added.

"It is the perfect platform for the boys to showcase their talents and AIFF will definitely look upon to organising more such camps in the future."

After wrapping up the first session, Yadav said it was "too early" to pass a judgement on the players.

"It's too early to comment on whom to look upon closely. We are well aware of our requirement and we'll act accordingly," he said.

"Having been a player I realise how the boys are feeling right now. Their performance might be shaky - they may also be a bit nervous. That's why we want to provide them with ample opportunities to prove their worth, not just one session."

"The AIFF is leaving no stone unturned to unearth the best possible talents in our quest to field the best squad for the upcoming World Cup," he said.