Gary Neville Joins India's Grassroots Soccer Movement: Inspiring Future Stars

Former Manchester United legend Gary Neville will visit India to support the 'United We Play' grassroots football program in Chandigarh. The initiative aims to motivate young footballers across the country, with Neville's presence expected to inspire and elevate the experience for participating athletes.

Former Manchester United legend Gary Neville will be in India, lending his support to the grassroots football program and inspiring young players in the country. Neville, often hailed as one of the best right-backs in football history, boasts an impressive career with Manchester United, securing eight English Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League victories. He is set to appear at the finale of the fourth edition of this grassroots initiative.

The program's grand finale, under the banner 'United We Play', will take place in Chandigarh on October 18, 2024. Neville, who dedicated his entire football career to Manchester United with an impressive 602 appearances over almost two decades, is a rare 'one-club man.' His significant contribution to English football includes 85 international caps during his 12-year stint with the national team.

'United We Play' is an on-ground grassroots football project supported by Manchester United, crafted to foster young talent across regions by offering them a platform to exhibit their skills. Rajesh Dahiya, Vice-President, Commercial, India and SAARC at Apollo Tyres Ltd, expressed excitement at Neville's visit, stating, "Having a player of Gary Neville's caliber in India is a significant honor. His presence will undoubtedly enrich the experience for young footballers participating in the United We Play finals in Chandigarh, offering them inspiration through his storied career and valuable insights."

The fourth edition of 'United We Play', which launched in Kolkata last December, featured former Manchester United player Louis Saha's involvement in its inauguration. Marking its biggest season yet, the program extended across 18 Indian cities and included participation from over 15,000 young players nationwide. In addition to benefiting from virtual Manchester United Soccer Schools training sessions involving over 100 coaches, the initiative was further expanded to other cities across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, including Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Dubai.

(With inputs from agencies.)