Liverpool FC International Academy-DSK Shivajians shall make their debut and remain the sole representative from Maharashtra in the prestigious IFA Shield 2015-16, beginning in Kolkata on Tuesday, February 15, 2016.
LFC-DSK Academy is clubbed in Group-B along with Kolkata sides that include defending champions United S.C, Mohammedan Sporting, Mohun Bagan AC, and La Liga youth squad Athletic Bilbao.
The Pune-based squad begins their campaign against recently crowned Under-18 I-League Champions AIFF Elite Academy in the tournament opener at the Barasat Stadium on the morrow.
LFC-DSK Academy, President, Shirish Kulkarni, said “It is an honor for us to participate in this prestigious tournament. It provides us an opportunity to evaluate the progress of our youth players amongst the best from India and the foreign participation and serves as a developmental curve for players both on and off the pitch.”
In Group-A, last year’s winners United Sports, Kingfisher East Bengal Club, Salgaocar FC, London-based Crystal Palace and a Qualifier will fight it out for top two positions.
Coached by Dave Rogers, the 18-man LFC-DSK Academy squad left for Kolkata on Sunday.
Instituted back in 1893, the IFA Shield is the fourth oldest cup tournament in the world after the after the English and Scottish FA Cup’s and the Durand Cup. Since last year the tournament is being conducted for Under-19 teams and follows a league cum knockout format.
THE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Shubham Dhas, Iprotip Das
Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Lalnunsiama, Sairuat Kima, Safvan Muffed, Prashant K
Midfielders: K.Lalthathanga, Tenzin, Marchstarfield, Gagandeep Singh, Azaruddin S.K, Hitova Ayemi, Rohit Kumar, Vanlalremkima
Strikers: Lallianzuala, Lalruatpuia, Mebanshan Suting
Head Coach: Dave Rogers, Academy Coach: Michael Rice, Physio: Samip Shah.
FIXTURES
16.2.2016: LFC-DSK Academy v AIFF Elite Academy (at Barasat Stadium)
20.2.2016: LFC-DSK Academy v Mohammedan Sporting (at Kalyani)
22.2.2016: LFC-DSK Academy v Athletic Bilbao(at Barasat Stadium)
25.2.2016: LFC-DSK Academy v Mohun Bagan AC (at Kalyani)
