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| Academy Trip to Manchester United |
Why
In Pakistan, Manchester United are probably
the most popular football Club. Thus even when
the tour was just a thought, the first target
was Man U.
After some research, the tour to Manchester
United Soccer Schools (MUSS) was conceived by
Imran Ali (Director Operations/Youth Program)
with a view to giving the most talented players
in the Youth Academy a chance to hone their
skills at arguably the best (certainly) the
biggest Club in the world.
Since England are the inventors of modern football
and Pakistan (despite being a leading producer
of top quality footballs) is far from being
considered as a "football country", the Karachi
United management had no illusions as to the
outcome of matches scheduled on the tour. However,
the opportunity of being coached by MUSS staff/
learning football in a new and challenging environment
and to rub shoulders with the Manchester United
elite, was going to be the journey of a lifetime.
After initial enquiries with Mr. Mike Neary
of MUSS, a formal letter was issued by MUSS
setting out details and expenses of the tour.
Thus in January, 2004 began the quest i.e. "destination
Man U".
How
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response from MUSS was brilliant; they
were keen to host the first ever team
from Pakistan to visit Manchester United.
However, before the tour could become
a reality, finances had to be raised in
relation to tickets, food and board, travelling
costs, kits and equipment and other MUSS
administrative fees. We started a sponsorship
drive and whilst the till was ticking,
we were a long way off the target. It
was at this time that we were blessed
with some great luck i.e. inasmuch as
we received immense support of the Youth
players' parents. They shared our passion
and although there were various concerns
(which were addressed at various stages),
the parents provided funding so as to
grant their children's biggest football
dream till date. Since, funding was still
required, we continued pursuing various
sponsors and although, as stated above,
some valued sponsors contributed to the
kitty, it was not until just before the
end that we gained our biggest sponsorship
boost i.e. the Tour Kit Sponsorship was
picked up by ABN AMRO; and after some
discussion, it was agreed to grant ABN
the Tour Title Sponsorship. |
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Thus
began the frantic last minute rush to sort out
tickets, visas, kits, mementos, media and other
accommodation. The good news were that the KU
Youth despite an arduous fitness training regime
over the last 6 or so months were ready and
excited. On 10th July, 2004, the tour became
a reality with a 16 member KU team (14 players
and 2 officials) flew from Karachi to Manchester
on Emirates Airlines. Upon touchdown, they were
greeted by the KU faithful in the city of Manchester
at the beginning of what was to become a sojourn
of a lifetime.
Gains/Links
Whilst we all knew that this tour would provide
an immense boost for the Youth, our Club and
the profile of football in Pakistan, the Club
management had always been cognizant of the
cost/benefit ratio. Hence an objective post
tour appraisal was conducted and in the end,
it was unanimous that the tour was a resounding
success as not only the Youth and the Club but
in the future, Pakistan football will gain much
from our collective experiences.
The players not only gained top level coaching
including on diet, shape, fitness, training,
movement etc but met the superstars that they
would only have seen on TV but for the tour.
At the same time, our own coaching staff was
able to gain first-hand knowledge of the methods/working
tools of the MUSS coaches/staff as well as interacting
with a host of football experts.
Quite apart from the above, links were made
with MUSS and other top flight English Clubs
and we got to see the structure and functioning
of Manchester United.
Most importantly, we made good friends and we
believe that the boys left a favourable impression
on all, both on and off the field in their roles
as "ambassadors" not only of the Club but also
of Pakistan.
This can only bode well for the future of our
Club and country. Whilst there is a long way
to go, the exemplary behaviour of the Youth
players would have laid to rest any misconceived
notions about Pakistani youth and the football
will definitely continue to improve, now that
the boys know the effort and attitude required
to becoming professional footballers.
Whilst football is the common passion and our
dream remains the same; i.e. to see Pakistan
play at the football World Cup; the character
development of the youth throughout our time
at Manchester United, will remain one of our
most cherished memories.
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