Airtel Rising Stars moves into second stage

Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, has announced that the first stage of the Sri Lankan leg of the Airtel Rising Stars programme has drawn to a close with 48 of the best foot-balling talent across the island being selected from over 5000 registered participants.

Launched in July, this first-of-its-kind island-wide hunt for young and talented soccer football players is a rigorous scouting program which covered 14 centres across Sri Lanka and chose the 48 best footballers from around the country for the 2nd stage in Colombo where Manchester United Academy Coaches will host an intensive football camp to select the 12 best players.  Commenting on the programme Suren Goonewardene, CEO/MD of Airtel Lanka said: “It has been truly amazing to witness the level of footballing talent from all parts of the country, from urban areas to the most rural regions. We are truly honoured to have initiated this programme to give these young kids a chance to live their dream and I wish all 48 participants the best of luck for the second stage of trials.”

The final stage will involve three selection trials culminating in a final where the final 12 football players will be chosen as the Top 12 Sri Lankan Airtel Rising Stars who will be sent to train at the Manchester United Football Academy in England and kick-off a career in professional football.

Selections were held in Jaffna, Colombo, Mannar, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Badulla, Kurunegala, Hatton, Kandy, Kalutara, Matara, Negombo, Kilinochchi and Kalmunai to select the best players between the ages of 15-19.