By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay,
AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: After the successful two-day camp in picturesque Kalyani in West Bengal, All India Football Federation shifted focus to the capital as the two-day camp for the North zone to select players for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 kicked off in New Delhi today (November 22, 2016).

Former India Captain Abhishek Yadav, presently Director Scouting, AIFF will be having a look at the assembled 48 boys from the 10 Clubs to determine “whether they are good enough for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017.”

"I would like to thank all the Clubs for sending their best Players for the trials. It's really encouraging to find the buoyant group of boys turning up for the session,” Abhishek Yadav mentioned when interacting with www.the-aiff.com at a ground in Central Delhi.

The boys were divided into separate Teams to play practice matches against the U-18 team of a local Club who are going to compete in the Delhi zone of the U-18 I-League.

“Come what may, this session will help these boys learn new skills and judge themselves. Over the course of their career, this will definitely aid them to reach the next level. It is the perfect platform for the boys to showcase their talents and AIFF will definitely look upon to organising more such Camps in future.”

After wrapping up the first session, the ex-National Team skipper maintained that it was “too early” to pass a judgement.

"It's too early to comment on whom to look upon closely. We are well aware of our requirement and we'll act accordingly,” he stated.

"Having been a Player I realise how the boys are feeling right now. Their performance might be shaky – they may also be a bit nervous. That's why we want to provide them with ample opportunities to prove their worth, not just one session,” he informed.

“The AIFF is leaving no stone unturned to unearth the best possible talents in our quest to field the best squad for the upcoming World Cup,” he opined.