Sachin Tendulkar announces Kerala Blasters football academy setup

Former cricketing legend and current co-owner of the Kerala Blasters, Sachin Tendulkar announced that the club had plans of setting up a football academy within the state of Kerala. The Kerala Blasters managed to finish in the runners-up spot in the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League. Tendulkar made his statement in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan. A plethora of cabinet ministers was also present for the same.

After warmly addressing the media persons present, Tendulkar went on to talk about the Kerala Blasters Academy to be set up in the state. “Today, on behalf of the Kerala Blasters, I would like to make an announcement that there are four more co-owners of the club, and we had a plan that we would make the Kerala Blasters a vibrant team,” Tendulkar said.

Also read – ICC Champions Trophy 2017 schedule announced

“Obviously, there is a lot of planning happening with the co-owners as far as the team is concerned. But the reason for us to be here and meet the CM was so that he can also meet the co-owners and discuss a way forward where the youngsters can benefit. It is also something we have been doing in the past couple of years on a grassroots level. We also have a tie-up with 40 schools. We understand the interest level are really high, and we have to go way beyond that. “

“And for that, we have requested for the CM’s help and guidance and they have graciously agreed to back us and support us for the betterment of sportsman – the young and budding stars of Kerala. The vision is to have a residential academy where children can chase their dreams.”

Also read – Watching IPL final on TV was more stressful than playing: Ashish Nehra

“We have experienced the interest levels in the last two years and we want to take it to the next level which can be done by better infrastructure and planning. I am sure he (Vijayan) has already started this discussion. However, to be able to create that interest level and to generate a hundred top class footballers are our vision.”

“Of course, not just ours, but with your (The Media) support also, we should have a reason to smile in the next few years. And I genuinely hope that the Kerala Blasters also continue to generate that kind of interest and inspire more and more youngsters to be involved with a sport.”