Chennai
Chennaiyin FC’s Under-12 team is set to represent India at the Norwich City Mina Cup in the UK on October 12 and 13. The young squad has been placed in Group 4 alongside Liverpool (England), Inter Milan (Italy), and Empire Football Club (UAE) in a tournament featuring 16 teams divided into four groups.
A 15-member team, along with coaching staff, departed for England on Wednesday night. Club vice president Ekansh Gupta expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The Mina Cup UK is a fantastic platform for our young footballers to showcase their talent. We are grateful to Norwich City FC for this opportunity and look forward to strengthening our partnership.”
As the only Indian club participating, Chennaiyin FC will compete against some of the biggest names in football, including Chelsea, Arsenal, SL Benfica, and Borussia Dortmund. This tournament offers an invaluable opportunity for the young players to gain international exposure and develop their skills against elite teams.
The nine-a-side tournament is also the only qualifying event in the UK for the 2025 Mina Cup. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top two advancing to the Gold Cup, while the bottom two move to the Silver Cup, ensuring ample playing time for all participants.
