Darjeeling: Football has been used in the past as an effective tool to improve relationship between the police and public in Darjeeling. This time, police backed by "Football Next Foundation" are all set to send 4 youths from West Bengal including a 23-year-old hill footballer to Germany so that they get exposed to international football.
The police had organised a football tournament among the 4 GTA constituencies that were the worst hit by the agitation in Darjeeling last year. On March 4, 2018, the finals were held.
"Manish Subba of Poolbazar had become the Man of the Series. We have decided to send him to Germany so that he gets adequate international exposure and pass on the experience to other budding footballers," stated Akhilesh Chaturvedi, Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling.
Two footballers from Kolkata and one from Jangalmahal will also visit Germany along with Subba. They will depart for Germany on November 6.
"We have tied up with Eintracht Frankfurt Club. The visiting footballers will be with the club in Germany for a week. They will get exposure to international tournaments. They will practice football and learn new techniques," stated Kaushik Moulik, Founder of Football Next Foundation.
"It is a dream come true for me. I never had dreamed of making it to Germany. I would like to pass on whatever I learn to the kids who are interested in football," stated Subba.
The 23-year-old is a resident of Upper Line, Pulbazar in the Darjeeling sub division. He comes from a humble background with both parents unemployed.
"I have been playing football since Class 5. I am self-taught. I played for my school team, Darjeeling Government College team and North Bengal University team," stated the striker. The Foundation has plans to open up a football academy in Darjeeling.
"We will tie up with Darjeeling Police for opening up the academy. Around 20 kids under the age of 12 years will be trained for 3 years. They will study football as a curriculum. Then they will be taken to Germany. Darjeeling is a very big brand in Europe because of Tea.We will encash on this tying Football with Tea," added Moulik. The Foundation has the motto — "Football can change life."