Football is more than a sport. For many young players, it represents ambition, discipline, perseverance, and the hope of one day playing on some of the world’s most iconic pitches. Apollo Tyres’ United We Play programme brings these aspirations into focus by creating opportunities for young footballers to showcase their skills, learn from global football methodologies, and take meaningful steps towards their dreams. The fourth edition of the programme continued this journey on a larger scale, bringing together talent from across India and beyond.
A Bigger Platform for Young Football Talent
United We Play 4.0 was designed as a year round grassroots football initiative supported by Manchester United. The fourth edition reached more than 15,000 young footballers across 18 cities in India, making it the biggest edition of the programme at the time. The initiative also expanded its reach across the Asia Pacific and Middle East, including Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Dubai.
The programme focused on giving aspiring footballers a platform to demonstrate their abilities while introducing them to global training methodologies. With more than 100 coaches involved through virtual Manchester United Soccer Schools training sessions, participants had access to structured football learning alongside their on ground experiences.
From Local Opportunities to a Global Dream
The journey through United We Play was built around the idea that talent can emerge from anywhere. Young players from different regions and backgrounds came together with a shared ambition to improve, compete, and move closer to a once in a lifetime football experience.
The fourth edition began in Kolkata in December 2023, where former Manchester United and French footballer Louis Saha launched the programme. Over the following months, the initiative created opportunities for young footballers to develop their skills and compete for a place at the grand finale.
The Road to the Final Stage
As the competition progressed, the number of participants narrowed, leaving a select group of young footballers one step away from an extraordinary opportunity. The final stage took place in Chandigarh, where Manchester United legend Gary Neville joined the programme.
Neville brought with him an illustrious Manchester United career spanning almost two decades and 602 appearances for the club. His presence added another dimension to the experience for the young footballers, connecting their grassroots journey with the standards and traditions of elite football.
Five Young Footballers Take the Next Step
The fourth edition concluded with five young footballers earning the opportunity to travel to Manchester. PC Lalchhuanawma from Mizoram, Shreejal Kisku from Bhubaneswar, Mohd Ayan from Lucknow, Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar from Nepal, and Chanason Chaiyatham from Bangkok emerged as the selected players.
Their opportunity extended beyond simply visiting Manchester. The selected players were set to experience a matchday at Old Trafford, train with Manchester United Soccer School coaches, and interact with club legends. These experiences offered them an opportunity to experience football at one of the sport’s most recognised venues.
Going the Distance Through Football
At the heart of United We Play is the belief that performance, opportunity, and perseverance can help young footballers move closer to their ambitions. Apollo Tyres describes football through qualities such as precision, power, control, and grip, connecting the demands of the sport with its Go The Distance philosophy.
United We Play 4.0 reflects this approach by taking young players through a journey that begins with participation and development and leads towards an international football experience. With Apollo Tyres and Manchester United supporting the initiative, the programme continues to create a platform where emerging football talent can pursue its passion, gain exposure to global training methods, and take the next step towards its footballing dreams.
