India U-17: trial at Kalyani 'successful' despite poor response from EB & MB, Delhi trial kicks off

A FINAL SCOUTING EFFORT for the Indian squad that will play in the FIFA U-17 World Cup has moved to New Delhi after finishing with its first pit stop at Kalyani. 

Though the two day camp at the South Bengal town was a success with about 30 U-16 players showing up from various clubs from Bengal and North-East India, it was notable for the lukewarm response from the two biggest clubs in the host state: East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

Conducted under Abhishek Yadav, AIFF's Director of Scouting, the camp at Kalyani saw kids coming in from various prominent clubs including Shillong Lajong, Royal Wahingdoh, United Sports Club and various other clubs from both divisions of I-League, all of whom had been asked to send three of their best players to the trials. But East Bengal decided not to send anyone from their U-16 squad, citing the ongoing U-16 Youth League as a reason. Mohun Bagan sent two players, but they reached on the second and last day of the camp. 

On behalf of AIFF, I urge the clubs to send the best talents in the camp, it's another opportunity for them to prove their worth: @abhiy10 pic.twitter.com/FPEvk9We8i

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 21, 2016

It is to be noted that most of the clubs that sent their teams are also playing in the U-16 Youth League, and most of those players had to travel long distances to reach Kalyani, as opposed to the Kolkata clubs for whom Kalyani is only two hours away by rail. 

In the end, two players were chosen to join the U-17 squad. The Kolkata clubs have been told that they can send their players to the subsequent trials in New Delhi and Goa if they wish. They have not sent anyone to Delhi camp.

The New Delhi leg, which began today and finishes tomorrow, has 48 players from 10 prominent clubs. AIFF hopes to find some players who will boost the bench strength of the Indian team in the historic event next year.