CHENNAI: GlaxoSmithKline’s leading health food drinks brand, Boost will be sponsoring the Chennaiyin FC Football Championship that it that is set to commence tentatively on January 28 at the MCC School Ground in Chetpet. The development comes after the brand being associated in the same capacity with Chennaiyin FC’s rivals in the Indian Super League (ISL), Bengaluru FC in its ongoing BFC Inter-School Soccer Shield championship.
With the aim to develop grassroots football in Chennai and Tamil Nadu, the four-week long tournament will feature 1100+ children from 64 school teams across two age groups (U-13 & U-15). With this, Boost was also announced as the two-time ISL champions’ official energy partner.
In line with the club’s philosophy of developing youth football, the top three teams from both age groups will receive access to coaching from the Chennaiyin FC coaching staff and select first-team players. It falls under Boost’s initiative of ‘Play The Pros’, which will also be extended at Bengaluru FC.
Chennaiyin FC assistant coach and technical director for youth development, Syed Sabir Pasha inaugurated the tournament in the city alongside first team midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh, U-15 player Rahul K. Manjula and club VP Hiren Mody.
“The ultimate objective is to have budding talent from this tournament absorbed into the youth teams’ pyramid underneath the CFC first team that comprises the U-13s, U-15s, U-18s and B team. The association with Boost and this Championship aligns with our goals of promoting young talent like Rahul from Chennai and the state,” Pasha said.
GSK Consumer Healthcare area marketing lead Vikram Bahl added: “Young children deeply associate with sports stars and look up to them for inspiration. Boost’s partnership with CFC for the Football Championship gives kids a unique platform to learn and play with the Pros. Through this partnership we intend to inspire young kids and nurture young talent in football.”
