Stimac’s Young Turks thank ‘Arrows’ project for their development
The ongoing preparatory camp for the forthcoming Hero Intercontinental Cup has youngsters Amarjit, Anwar Ali & Narender Gahlot in the camp, all of whom have been a part of the Indian Arrows project.
Indian Senior National Team Head Coach Igor Stimac has made his intentions clear of building a ‘team for future.’ In the process, Stimac who coached Croatia to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 has already handed a debut to 18-year old Amarjit Singh, and have even praised him for his “excellent play.”
Amarjit isn’t alone. The ongoing preparatory camp for the forthcoming Hero Intercontinental Cup also has Anwar Ali, and Narender Gahlot in the camp. Incidentally, all these youngsters have been a part of the Indian Arrows project, with Amarjit, and Anwar having been part of the Indian U-17 World Cup team.
“Honestly speaking, the Arrows project has laid the foundation for us. It allowed us to bloom. I am just so grateful,” Amarjit Singh, the first player born in the 21st century to represent the Blue Tigers, stated. “Whatever I have matured as a player, the entire credit goes to the Arrows.”
The Arrows coached by Floyd Pinto came up with an inspiring performance in the Hero I-League 2018-19 to finish 8th among 11 teams. Mind you, they are a developmental project team with 19, 18, 17, and even a 16-year old in their ranks.
Amarjit expressed that the “invaluable experience” with Arrows helped them “reap the benefits” in 2018-19. “Had I joined any other club, I would have struggled to get enough game-time. That would have hampered my growth as a player,” Amarjit, who had captained India in the FIFA U-17 World Cup mentioned. “The glitz and glamour might be missing in our Arrows, but the results are there for all to see. We struggled in the first season, but gathered some invaluable experiences in the next.”
Narender Gahlot, a defender from the developmental squad who has been called up by coach Stimac maintained that “rubbing shoulders with foreigners, and experienced Indian players,” day in and day out helped hone the skills immensely. “Playing against quality foreigners, and experienced Indians helped me a lot. In the first season, we had little ideas about facing them. But we matured, learnt, and tried to implement in the second season,” Narender informed.
Anwar Ali explained: “My confidence as a player has grown immensely as I have been playing against sturdy and quality foreign recruits. I have earned a call-up to the India U23 National Team, and the Senior Team camp. Now, it’s my duty to repay the faith that the coach has shown to me.”
The boys have been on regular international exposure trips. India U-19 National Team, which predominantly comprised of the Indian Arrows boys, pulled off a stunning victory against Scaloni-coached Argentina U20 side in the COTIF U20 tournament in Spain last season — a testament of how far the Indian boys have improved.
“We had gone to the COTIF tournament in Spain, followed by another trip to Serbia during the pre-season. Those pre-season trips helped us a lot to get along, and grow as a team,” Narender added, “It’s always nice to play more matches, and that’s exactly what we got from Arrows – both at the domestic, and even International level.”
“We have so much to learn from the senior players. I tried to grasp as much as possible from my first camp. Although I couldn’t continue because of my injury, I’ll not let this opportunity slip, and aim to break into the final team for Hero Intercontinental Cup,” Ali maintained.
Narender was equally sentimental. “I have just stepped into the football world. I know this is, probably my best opportunity to learn more, and elevate myself to the next level under coach Stimac. My primary target is to devour as much football acumen as possible from the camp,” he expressed.
For Fixtures and other details about the Hero Intercontinental Cup, Click the link
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: I have a long way to go, admits Lallianzuala Chhangte
Also Read: Tickets for Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019 up for sale online
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
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…
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…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
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…