Global Soccer Ventures’ (GSV) enthralling talent hunt for the 20 grand finalists concludes in Karachi. The announcement ceremony was graced by the presence of Governor Sindh, Mr. Imran Ismail and SAPM on Youth Affairs, Mr. Usman Dar. The selected talent will now saddle up to embark on the Road to Europe to train with the best and receive the golden opportunity to showcase their skills on international level.
The raw potential of the young aspirants was evaluated under the direct supervision of UEFA accredited trainers, including Karel Fraeye and Dennis Ricardo from Belgium, and Marc Antonio from the United Kingdom, as part of the GSV NexGen soccer trials. While the final 20 have been nominated by Brain Kerr, the former senior international manager for the Republic of Ireland and Faroe Islands.
The exciting GSV NexGen soccer trials were successfully conducted in 10 major cities which include; Islamabad, Muzaffarabad, Peshawar, Sialkot, Multan, Sukkur, Quetta, Faisalabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
The 20 nominated players across the 10 cities are Zain ul Abdeen and Toqeer ul Hassan from Faisalabad, Asadullah and Hamza Munir from Lahore, Shayek Dost, Junaid Ahmed, Khalil Ali Jan and Mudassir Nazar from Quetta, Naseer Ahmed, Ahsan Ullah, Zeeshan Ali, Nabi Bux and Mohib Ullah from Karachi, Usman Ali, Mohammad Saddam and Mohammad Taha from Islamabad and Alamgir Ghazi, Umar Farooq Khan and Mohammad Harris Faiz from Peshawar.
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Apart from the 20 finalists, an 11-year-old footballer Hamza Yasir who portrayed an unmatchable talent and skill in the game was also selected as an additional member of the selected player. Although he is under the age limit of the trials, the talent of the boy left an impression on the selectors and now will be playing in Ireland with the 20 players.
Imran Ismail, Governor Sindh shared his views, “This soil has produced the best of talents the world has ever seen, and these young men are going to be another testament to it. We are grateful to GSV for awarding our youth with such an auspicious opportunity to prove their skills and change the direction of their future. I congratulate the finalists from the depth of my heart and bid them good luck for their journey ahead.”
Usman Dar, SAPM on Youth Affairs stated: “GSV NexGen Soccer trials have been a fine catalyst in the Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive. An amazing show of talent and passion has been witnessed throughout the talent hunt, and we have successfully unearthed priceless gems, who are ready to claim their worth. Road to Europe grants them a life changing career opportunity and hope for football in Pakistan.”
Yasir Mehmood, Chairman of GSV expressed: “It gives us great pride and honor to see our dreams shape into reality. I am amazed by the level of talent shown here by the Pakistani youth, their energy is synced with that of GSV and together we will reshape the future of football in this land. We are delighted to be the enablers of a better future for these gifted players.”
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Mahira Khan, famous Pakistani celebrity shared her experience, “I consider myself extremely fortunate to be a part of the football landscape being built by GSV, and it is a testament to their tenacity and determination to make it a successful venture for Pakistan.”
Brian Kerr, Honorary Director of Football St Patricks Athletic and the longest serving St Patrick’s Athletic Manager, Former Ireland Manager at U16, 18, 20 and Senior level stated: “GSV has bridged the gap between resources and the players, this has been a marvelous feature of this initiative. Bonding with these lively players reminded me of my early days in the game. We have been grateful for discovering a young football prodigy on this soil as well, and can’t wait for him to showcase his skills in the near future.”
The selected players will be travelling to Dublin, Ireland and will be welcomed by the St Patrick’s Athletic’s team Garrett Kelleher, Chairman, Ger O’Brien, Director, Brian Kerr Honorary Director, Johnny McDonnell – Strategic Advisor and Jamie Moore – Assistant Academy Director and Head of Media. The squad will continue to train and play with the Academy and potentially the First Team of St Patrick’s Athletic under the supervision of St Patrick’s UEFA licensed coaches.
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