Bayern Munich legend visits youth cup in India

When Army Public School clinched the FC Bayern Youth Cup title, a very special person was present in the stands. Bixente Lizarazu, Bayern Munich’s legendary left-back and a member of the club’s Hall of Fame, watched the youngsters play an enthralling game of football en-route to a 4-1 win over Mumbai-based Campion School.

Army Public school, a Bengaluru-based institution, will now represent India at the FC Bayern Youth Cup World Finals. Lizarazu had this to say about the event:

It was a great weekend with the kids and a pleasure to see such skilled young talents. FC Bayern and Adidas through the FC Bayern Youth Cup will go a long way in nurturing grassroots football in India and inspire the youth to take part in the sport.

Sean Van Wyk, Senior Marketing Director, Adidas India, added:

FC Bayern Youth Cup India is one of the key initiatives by Adidas to promote and nurture grassroots football in India.

The Youth Cup is an example of Bayern’s growing presence in the booming Asian market. Football is quickly becoming one of Asia’s favorite pastimes. While China understandably remains the main focus of big European clubs like Bayern, India may have its own part to play as well. With initiatives like the Youth Cup, the Bavarians continue to attempt inroads into a market traditionally saturated by the big local sport, cricket.

The FC Bayern Youth Cup Finals will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May, 2018.