Bhubaneswar : Local boy Shreejal Kisku’s footballing dreams received a major boost as he is all set to visit the iconic football club Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford, after winning the final round of United We Play, an initiative by leading tyre maker Apollo Tyres in association with Manchester United.
The fourth edition of the initiative saw the biggest-ever participation of over 15000 budding Indian footballers across 18 cities and culminated in a grand finale in Chandigarh in the presence of all-time great Gary Neville.
Shreejal and four other footballers PC Lalchhuanawma (Mizoram), Mohd Ayan (Lucknow), Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar (Nepal) and Chanason Chaiyatham (Bangkok) were finally shortlisted for once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Old Trafford to participate in exciting activities like matchday experience, training session with Manchester United Soccer School coaches, and legend interactions, scheduled for later this year.
Shreejal Kisku ’s footballing dreams have been fuelled by his parents, who work as daily wage workers and try hard to keep the family afloat. Training at the Ardor Football Academy on a scholarship, the 13-year-old realizes the responsibilities and wants to make a big name in the field like his footballing idol Lionel Messi.
“It’s a dream come true for me that I will go to Old Trafford to train and watch the match of Manchester United as well. I have always loved football and want to play at a high level. I am working really hard to achieve my dream and getting an opportunity to witness such a big club is a big moment of my life. I will try to learn from this experience and improve my game. My favorite football player is Lionel Messi and I want to become a top player like him,” commented Shreejal Kisku.
