Foundation selects players from Meghalaya for training in Delhi

Shillong: Dream Foundation (DF), the philanthropic arm of Dream Sports, one of India’s leading sports technology companies, has announced the extension of its three-year football training and development programme in collaboration with Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia.

The partnership was announced in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Bhutia in the city on May 18. A friendly football match was played with the young athletes who have been selected for the programme this year. Advanced footballers from the programme in the U-17 category will undergo specialised training in New Delhi.

The partnership, which is an extension of initiatives launched by the foundation in the North East, will play a critical role in training 50 talented football players.

Speaking about the programme, former Indian football captain and advisor to DF, Bhutia said, “Over the years, Dream Foundation has played a significant role in our mission to provide life-changing opportunities for budding footballers. Our athletes have greatly grown and succeeded under the programme and we hope to extend this support to many more young players and contribute to the vision of making India a sporting nation.”

Talking about the extended partnership, Bhavit Sheth, COO and co-founder, Dream Sports, said, “As long-term partners with a shared vision to Make Sports Better, we are thrilled to bring more young athletes into the programme. We are seeing a significant increase in interest and potential for football in India. The Dream Foundation is committed to enable athletes to unlock their full potential by supporting their overall development.”

As part of the program, Dream Foundation will also be working towards the holistic development of the athletes and provide them with lodging, nutrition, education, coaching, training and equipment, apart from opportunities to participate in national and international tournaments.

The selected athletes will receive their academic education at the Army Rifles Public School, Shillong, and Vedas International School, New Delhi, while they complete their training.

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