EXPERIENCE IN CLEVELAND
There was a time that playing abroad for teenage footballers was simply a dream. But it is a reality now. In the first week of July, 2008 the Hindustan Football Club, Delhi showed enterprise to make possible participation of their academy players compete in the reputed Continental Cup in the United States. The event was held in Cleveland from July, 2nd to 6th. To play in the company of established teams from various continents was indeed very exciting and even awesome, for the youngsters from Delhi. There was the junior team of AC Milan, an academy team from Sauo Paulo and the own emerging lots from America. Eight matches were played and "for the Indians the experience gained was rich" as the accompanying officials rated it. "The facilities were extremely fine" according to the players.
YAKULT DANONE NATIONS CUP
The football climate in India has significantly been changing. It is more show as far as the young level is concerned. The organized efforts from various sectors of society is good sign for the future of the game. Delhi's Ambedkar Stadium was the venue of the Yakult Danone Nations Cup in which the junior teams from almost every parts of the country took part. The event was held in July 11th and 12th and the cream of the talent was on view. The young teams nurtured by Mohan Bagan, Salgaonkar, JCT from Phagwara, Tata Football Academy, a team from Bai Chung Bhutia's native place Sikkim, turned up to make the show a success. Delhi was represented by Hindustan Football Academy and another team. Delhi teams qualified for the semi-finals before Hindustan Academy team going down to Mohan Bagan Academy. Mohan Bagan emerged champion. A trip to France is scheduled for the champion team.