UK soccer fields beckon Punjab kids

CHANDIGARH: Centuries ago, they taught us cricket. Now, they will teach Punjabi youth to bend it like Beckham. If you dreamt of the Man U red or the Chelsea blue, here could be your chance to make it big on the football field — British minister for business, innovation and skills Pat McFadden, who is on a tour to Punjab, says the Brits are all ready to train budding footballers in Punjab.
“The three areas that top our priority list include sports. Though cricket is the most popular game, football is the next big thing to happen in India,” said McFadden here on Tuesday. He said the other two areas of focus are commerce and education. Clearing the air quickly that it’s not ‘Cricket’ but ‘Football’ that is being eyed by Brits, McFadden, said they are ready to extend assistance to train kids from here.
“There are many schools in England with tie-ups with schools here. Youth from here can be sent on exchange programmes. Matches can be arranged between the two countries at school level,” he said.