Delhi's Kshitij selected for Dutch football club NEC Nijmegen's U-15 squad

Delhi's Kshitij Kumar Singh, a 13-year-old footballer, has joined the Holland-based NEC Nijmegen football club for its Under-15 youth squad, it was announced on Sunday.

Kshitij, a second year batch student of Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) residential football programme, had been to the Netherlands for two rounds of trials with PSV Eindhoven and NEC Nijmegen earlier this year before his selection in the NEC youth team.

The 13-year-old started playing football at the age of six initially with Bhaichung Bhutia Academy and then at FCB Escola.

The forward was an early talent to be spotted by Piet Hubers, Technical Director of ISL Grassroots at the Delhi Dynamos Scouting Festival for RFYC scholarship in 2016.

Since last June with RFYC, Kshitij has participated in 29 competitive and friendly games, scoring 31 goals and provided 25 assists.

NEC Nijmegen is a professional football club which competes in the Dutch second division.

Its youth teams features at the highest level in Dutch Youth Leagues and competes against top European clubs in international tournaments.

RFYC boss Nita Ambani termed Kshitij's selection at NEC youth team to be a bench mark for more opportunities for India talents.

"We are extremely proud of the progress made by the 48 champions. Children like Kshitij Kumar are the future of Indian football. He is dedicated and disciplined at this young age which makes him a force to reckon with on the ground.

"We are sure he will pave a way for more scouting from foreign countries in India as well as increase the belief among players here to play in the best leagues in the World."

Speaking on his selection, Kshitij said: "I'm very excited to join NEC Youth team. I want to thank all my coaches and fellow players at RF Young Champs who have motivated me to perform better continuously."

--IANS

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