MUPC to kick off on 2nd May

The seventh edition of the India leg of the Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC), a grassroot initiative for football in the country, will kick off at Jamshedpur on 2nd May.

Under-15 teams from the North, North East and East Zone will battle it out at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur from May 2 while the South and West Zone teams will compete at the SESA Football Academy in Goa from 7th May.

The tournament, organised by Nike in association with the All India Football Federation, will see top 22 U-15 football teams in India challenge each other to be crowned the MUPC India champions.

The winner of the MUPC India leg will earn a spot in the MUPC Asia regional finals to be held in Indonesia at the end of May.

'The Nike MUPC is more than just a competition - it's about bringing young football athletes closer to realizing their dreams. Through the Nike MUPC, we expect to give these young football athletes in India a chance to showcase their talent and passion for the sport and instill in them a belief that they could be tomorrow's football heroes,' said Avinash Pant, Marketing Director, Nike India Pvt Ltd.

Commenting on the initiative, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, 'The Nike MUPC initiative is an opportunity for young footballers to harness their talent and take it to an international level. Grassroot initiatives like the Nike MUPC will help provide youngsters an opportunity to express their passion for the sport on a global platform thereby helping them realize their dream and potential.'