AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The U-17 World Cup Team presently preparing for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 left Indian shores for an exposure Tour to Europe where they would be playing a series of practice matches in Portugal, France, Italy and Hungary and a tournament in Italy.

The 26-member squad accompanied by seven officials including Head Coach Luis Norton de Matos will be practising in Lisbon till May 15, 2017, where they are expected to play practice matches against U-17 Youth Teams of leading Portuguese Clubs including the likes of Sporting Lison, Benfica, Estoril, Setubal amongst others.

The squad would then be proceeding to Paris to play a practice match against PSG U-17 Team.

The Team also has a match scheduled against the Italian U-17 National Team in Rome and will also be participating in the Lazio Cup.

The Lazio Cup is a tournament played among 16 teams and expected teams which are to participate in the Tournament include Albania U-17, Colombia U-17, a Team from CAF Canadian selection, and a number of Clubs like Fiorentina, Lazio, Sampdoria, Cagliari, Pescara, Serie B Italia, Serie C Italia and 4 local teams.

The Team also has confirmed matches against Hungary U-17 and matches against Spanish Clubs during their tour to Spain.

AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das said: “All India Football Federation wants to provide the best of exposure to the U-17 World Cup Team in our quest to field a competitive Team for the World Cup.”

“The practice matches against various youth National Teams and youth Teams of Clubs playing in Premier Division Leagues will serve as a unique experience for our boys as they prepare for the World Cup,” he added. “We also need to thank SAI for their continuous support.”

The FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 kicks-off on October 6, 2017.