The QPR South Mumbai Junior Soccer Challenger 2016 championship was inaugurated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu here today.
An initiative by Congress leader Milind Deora, the tournament is being held in association with renowned English Club Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
The championship would also serve as a talent hunt for 50 talented youngsters, who will be shortlisted for a coaching clinic after a couple of months from which two children will be selected to train at the QPR Youth Academy, London, for a two week program in 2017, a media release issued here said.
This year, the tournament will witness approximately 6400 children from 150 plus schools representing 800 teams and playing close to 1100 matches, it said.
Deora, a former union minister, said, "Football is a growing passion amongst today's youth. By organising such championships I hope to provide a platform for the youth to exhibit their football skills."
"The championship gives a great platform for students and adds immense value to their life and games. Indian Railways is committed to nurture and encourage sports-persons. We lend our support to the junior champions and are committed to help them to make a career in football and serve India," Prabhu was quoted as saying in the release.
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