Final trials loom

The PPCFC youth coaches talk to the boys at the recent trial held in Kandal province

The final trials for the new Phnom Penh Crown Elite Football Academy for under-13 year olds are fast approaching. 40 boys, selected from the 17 regional trials held around the country in most provinces throughout the month of October, will be invited to the capital, alongwith their local coaches, on 12 November and for the next 3 days will be put through their paces by the club coaches as well as other invited coaches from overseas, to whittle down and select the best 22 players, who will be invited to join the initial intake for the PPCFC Academy. It's an exciting time for all concerned, especially the youngsters themselves who get the opportunity to follow their dream and I've no doubt will play their hearts out to gain a place in the 22. The trials will take place at the national training center at Cheng Meng. The successful 22 will then be part of a full-time residential placement for the next two years where they will receive daily football coaching as well as full academic schooling and the opportunity to represent PPCFC in regional tournaments. This will be the first structured youth development programme in the Kingdom.