Airtel Rising Stars 2013 sees applications in record-breaking numbers

Friday, 9 August 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Over 10,000 applicants compete for the chance of a lifetime
ARS hotline 0755 632632, set up to accommodate increased entries
Venues set up to accommodate walk in applicants

Bharti Airtel Lanka, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, announced that Airtel Rising Stars 2013 is rapidly gathering momentum with entries pouring in from all parts of the country. Launched during the early part of July 2013, this unique island-wide talent hunt for the best under 19 footballers in the country, is a rigorous scouting program conducted in 14 centres across Sri Lanka. Finally offering 12 of the most talented footballers a once in a lifetime opportunity to train at the legendary Manchester United Soccer Academy.

The Airtel Rising Stars program will be held in three rounds conducted over a span of three months at the end of which the top 12 players between the ages of 14-19 will be chosen. Stage 1 will involve an all island talent scout across 14 centres (Jaffna, Colombo, Mannar, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Badulla, Kurunegala, Hatton, Kandy, Kalutara, Matara, Negombo and Kalmunai). Stage 2 will narrow the applicants down to 48 shortlisted players who will assemble in Colombo where Manchester United Academy Coaches will host an intensive football training camp. The final stage will involve 3 selection trials culminating in a final where the Manchester United Academy Coaches will choose the 12 football players who will be this year’s Airtel Rising Stars. With time running out for applicants, any talented soccer player who wishes to take part in the programme can visit https://www.facebook.com/airtellife and follow the registration process or call 0755 632632 for more details For those enthusiastic footballers who have the passion and skill but have not been able to apply due to unavoidable reasons, Airtel welcomes them to the respective venues on the following dates. Candidates are expected to bring their original Birth Certificate and National Identity Card to register at the venue. Airtel Lanka announced its partnership with Manchester United in January 2012, and has since then offered football fans across the country an opportunity to get closer to the game they love through specialized content and services including coaching tips, goals and behind the scenes footage, made available through their VAS services. Further, last year’s Airtel Rising Stars programme saw six of the 12 finalists selected to the Sri Lanka National Football Squad, with three representing the National Team consistently over the last eight months.