15-year-old Dhruvmil Pandya from Mumbai gets selected to train at Crystal Palace
Amidst all the fun and fanfare seen at the BPL Live weekend in Mumbai, Sunday threw the spotlight on a young Dhruvmil Pandya from Aamchi Mumbai, who won Crystal Palace FC’s ‘Play for Palace’ talent hunt. After competing in a series of football trials, Dhruvmil made it to the final 8 contestants who battled it out at BPL Live earlier today. On the judging panel were Palace Legend Mark Bright, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, Mumbai City FC CEO Indranil Blah and Mumbai City FC Player Abhishek Yadav.
After an intense contest, Dhruvmil – who was also the youngest boy in the trials, sealed his victory over more than 350 aspirants who attended the first try-outs organized by ISL League- Mumbai City FC. With this, Dhruvmil wins a chance to live his dream, as Crystal Palace FC will now take him to London to train with the Crystal Palace FC Academy, and attempt to ‘Play for Palace’.
Clyne, Zaha, Moses, Pandya?
He will be traveling to south London, England (with a guardian) and will spend a full week training at Crystal Palace’s world famous Academy, following in the footsteps of some illustrious Premier League names including Nathaniel Clyne, Wilfried Zaha and Victor Moses.
Once the winner arrives in South London, they will be looked after by club officials, and the winner is invited to train with the academy team on a daily basis. Some of the country’s most respected youth team coaches will educate the winner in all aspects of play, thus ensuring he can improve his overall technique, which could help him to progress in the world of professional football.
He will also be “Guest of Honour” at a home game during his stay and will receive valuable advice from the first team manager, players and staff whilst also enjoying the unique atmosphere at Selhurst Park.
Upon our winners return to Mumbai he will become an official ambassador of the club and will be encouraged to coach football within the local community.