The Indian u-15 team starts its Dallas cup campaign tomorrow (Indian time). This will probably be the one of biggest tests this team of 16 players has faced so far.
Sponsored by Reliance Industries Limited, these players were handpicked last year to be sent to IMG Soccer Academy at Florida, USA for training and better exposure. They have progressed well so far, including winning the IMG cup, touring Brazil with impressive performances, and winning against senior IMG teams like IMG u-18. However, Dallas cup is not only a competitive tournament but also very prestigious.
Dallas cup is an important youth tournament in the States, aiming to “to promote the well being of young people through athletic competition, cultural appreciation and educational opportunities”. In fact this is the oldest youth football tournament there. It was started by the Texas Longhorns Soccer Club in 1980. Now the tournament has seven age groups – Super group u19, u19, u17, u15, u14, u13 and u12. On average 900+ international players participate in the tournament each year and on average there are 120+ minutes of television coverage, including, ESPN, Fox Sports News-SW, Fox Soccer Channel, CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer, GOL-TV, Univision, Soccer (Children’s Network) as well as the top professional clubs TV networks such as Manchester United TV, Real Madrid TV, Liverpool FC TV, the Iraq National News, Turkish Television Network & Baghdad News Agency, etc.
The U-15 section of the Dallas Cup was started from 2006. The previous winners are Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany (2010), Santa Clara Sporting, California (2009), Sockers FC Chicago, Illinois (2008), Celtic Hoops, California (2007) and Kendall Soccer Coalition White, Florida (2006). In fact, the 2009 and 2008 winners are in India’s group (Bracket G). Thus, this tournament will show how far the Indian u15 has have progressed. This will allow them to test themselves against some of the best junior teams in states.
Indian team will take on 2009 champions Santa Clara Sporting at around 12.30 am, 19th April IST (2pm, 18th April in USA). In less than 24 hours, they will feature again when they play against TSF Academy Grey at 10.30 pm, 19th April IST (10 am, 19th April in USA). In the last group game, they will meet 2008 champions, Sockers FC. The topper qualifies to 2nd round.
We will be discussing more about the tournament and match results in Indian Football Network forum – http://forum.indianfootballnetwork.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=203
Best wishes for our young guns!
