Players laud Indian Arrows project while they gear up for AFC U-19 Qualifiers

“Indian Arrows has helped me reach where I am,” exclaimed the lanky goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill as one could sense a lump in his throat.

“It’s the biggest part of my career so far and it has really given us a kickstart to propel ourselves to the next level,” he further continued.

The India U19 team, which will go up against Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and hosts Saudi Arabia in the AFC U19 Qualifiers from November 6 onwards, features a number of players who have played two full seasons of senior-level football in the Hero I-League for the Arrows, including Gill, who has amassed over 2700 minutes between the sticks for AIFF’s developmental side.

As his side prepares for the challenge ahead, Gill explained how playing for the Arrows has made him “mentally strong”.

“It doesn’t matter who I am facing, be it Argentina or Oman, I play without fear. Playing in the Hero I-League has made me mentally strong. Initially, the physicality of the league was a challenge but now I am ready for anything. Last season, we put in some really memorable performances and it was a great experience to be a part of the team,” he said.

The Arrows, under the leadership of coach Floyd Pinto, were a major talking point of the 2018-19 Hero I-League campaign, where they picked up 21 points.

A key member at the back for the team was Jitendra Singh, who made 32 appearances for the team over two seasons, called the Arrows “one big family” and spoke about him and his teammates grew as players.

He said: “The Arrows project benefitted all of us immensely as we got to know how to compete with the seniors at the professional level. Even if we lost a match, we always learnt something new from each game and develop ourselves. It was a really special feeling being together with those set of players and we were all like one big family. I would like to thank the AIFF for this project as it helped us step into the world of professional football.”

The youngster from Kolkata scripted a piece of history in the 2017-18 season, becoming the youngest scorer ever (at the time) in the Hero I-League when he found the net against Shillong Lajong in a 3-0 win in Delhi.

“It is my most memorable moment with the Arrows as it was my first goal for the team and enabled us to win the match as well,” he said.

Under senior team head coach Igor Stimac, two players from last season’s Arrows batch also made their debuts for the Blue Tigers, with one of them being centre-back Narender Gahlot, who also found the net in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019 against Syria.

He was one of the star performers for Floyd Pinto’s team and spoke about how playing against foreign players and seasoned professionals helped him “mature” in his game.

“I found it difficult at the start of the season and it took some time to settle. However, as we played more, I improved in terms of my maturity and reading of situations. My favourite memory was doing a double over Shillong Lajong, especially the away win against them,” he said.

“There’s no pressure at all,” the 18-year-old said when asked if playing for the senior team brings with it an added responsibility when playing at age-group level. “I just have to focus on my game and avoid any complacency. All of us in the team keep interacting with each other and learn from each other,” he concluded.

Credits AIFF Media


For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share