KOLLAM: India having found a place on the global football map, thanks to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, it isn't foolhardy anymore for youngsters to dream big in the 'Beautiful Game'.Homeless and forced into begging by his own mother, Manikandan's was not a childhood that painted a bright future. His dreams might well have been limited to having a roof to take shelter from sun and rain, or to have better food and clothing.
Seven years after being rescued from the streets by the Government Children's Home in Kollam, Manikandan R has set his dreams a lot higher - to play for the national football team. The 14-year-old has now received his first big break towards that, with the Chennai-based prospective U-15 I-League side Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy picking him on their roster. The defender impressed the academy coaches during a selection trial in Chennai recently.
Football, Manikandan told Express, first struck him while watching the game on television at the Children's Home."I love football and it's the training camp here that has changed my life. At present, I'm keeping two dreams. One is to become a part of the national team and the other is to become a footballer like Lionel Messi."
The Kollam District Child Protection Unit first spotted him as a seven-year-old during the 'Oachira Kali'," said Deepak, an officer with the unit. "He was seeking alms there from the onlookers.
"We learned that he was homeless and slept with his mother on the roadside. As the mother herself had forced him into begging, we transferred him to the Children's Home. Our efforts thereafter to locate his mother has been in vain." According to the Deputy Superintendent of the Children's Home, Shajahan, training conducted by the institution in association with Black Pearl's Sports Club at the Fatima Mata College Ground has made all the difference.
"We have two teams, U-13 and U-17. Though we were conducting the camp as a sort of recreation for the children, with the selection of Manikandan, we will have to take it more seriously. A boy from the underprivileged section, with his talent and hard work, is set to make it big in life," he said.
Manikandan’s coach Abhilash M P said the absence of a sponsor might affect his progression as the Children’s Home, as well as the club, will now have to find additional money for his travel, training and equipment.“He has become an inspirational figure. He has provided the underprivileged children with a hope that they too can dream big. It’s just a baby step. But considering the circumstances from which he reached there, it is commendable,” the coach said.
A Class IX student of SN Trust School, Kollam, his mindset is perfect for a team sport like football, said the Children’s Home officers. “Though Manikandan was sent under foster care a couple of times, the attempt proved unsuccessful. He always prefers to be part of a group than being a part of some other family. This approach might help him in his sporting career as it will be easier for him to gel with the team under any circumstance,” said Abhilash.Manikandan is set to leave for Chennai on October 20, with the preliminary round of matches slated to begin on October 27.