West Bengal's Burdwan district to have its own football academy

Kolkata: With a view to promoting young talent, Royal Bengal Tigers - a private club - Thursday launched an international standard football academy in West Bengal's Burdwan district.

State Sports Minister Madan Mitra along with legendary footballer Chuni Goswami presided over a ceremony to launch the academy.

The academy will provide the best of amenities like a modern gymnasium, swimming pool, locker room etc and provide the players with international coaching staff, trainers and support staff, RBT Chief Executive Devlina Sinha said here.

"We are also in he initial stage of erecting a stadium with a sitting capacity of 40,000 for conducting national and international tournaments, Sinha said.

"The selection committee will spot young talents through trial on all India basis. The trainees will comprise two age groups - under 16 and under 18 years," Sinha added.

Mitra urged the academy to select budding footballers from the tribal as well as from the backward classes of the society.

"The academy will be completed in the next six months with a budget of rupees four crore. The trainees will be provide free lodging, food and education and trained by national and international coaches," RBT chairman Anantabijay Laha said. (IANS)