Airtel Rising Stars created history when they named two female footballers namely, K.P.S. Perera and Sakura Sewandi among the 12 winners who would travel to Old Trafford and participate in a week long training program at the world famous Manchester United.
Bharti Airtel, announced the conclusion of the Airtel Rising Stars – Season 2, program at a glamorous awards ceremony held at the Sinhalese Sports Club. The 12 best young footballers in the country were selected by independent coaches from Manchester United, Kevin O’ Connell, Lami Sonola, Adam Hilton and David Chapman, to visit Old Trafford for an opportunity to meet and interact with Manchester United football team.
The 12 Airtel Rising Stars selected are as follows;
1.Chamara De Silva
2.A.G.I. Udara
3.Suranga Dinushan
4.Janith Piumal
5.M. Rizkhan
6.Mohammed Nifaz
7.Ashen Jeewantha
8.Lakmal Fernando
9.Sanjula Thilan
10.Dilshan Tharindu
11.K.P.S. Perera
12.Sakura Sewandi
Addressing the gathering CEO/MD of Airtel Lanka Mr. Suren Goonewardena, “As far as Sri Lanka is concerned , this programme is sheer example of our commitment in developing local talent to international standards, thus contributing actively towards the positive development of youth in Sri Lanka.”
“I am proud to state that we received over 10,000 applications. It was highly motivating for us to see the passion and excitement of these young kids. Not just boys, but talented girls as well. Their dedication to the sport was remarkable and the level of talent displayed was of a standard we never thought existed in Sri Lanka.”
Launched in July 2013, this one of its kind island wide hunt for young and talented football players was a rigorous scouting program which covered 14 centers across Sri Lanka and chose 48 best footballers from around the country for the 2nd stage in Colombo where the four Manchester United Academy Coaches hosted an intensive football camp and selected the 12 best players who now have a chance of a lifetime to visit the home of Manchester United.
Under the program selections were held in Jaffna, Colombo, Mannar, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Badulla, Kurunegala, Hatton, Kandy, Kalutara, Matara, Negombo, Kilinochchi and Kalmunai to select the best players between the ages of 15-19. After grueling session of try outs in the 14 centres the 48 shortlisted came to Colombo for an intensive training workshop with Manchester United coaches which also included academic sessions on discipline, training, nutrition, practice methods as well as drills and six a side matches, ending with a full 11 a side match.
Also speaking at the event was Airtel Rising Stars season 1 participant and Sri Lanka U21 captain Sujan Perera. “This is indeed a great opportunity and I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of the 12 last time around. For us it is a dream to watch Manchester United players in person. I hope these 12 participants would take this opportunity with both hands, learn and improve their game and serve Sri Lanka in the future.”
