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An Indian teenager will travel to England to train with the Crystal Palace academy next year after winning a competition.
Dhruvmil Pandya, a 15-year-old midfielder from Mumbai, triumphed over 350 other youngsters at the Play for Palace trials, held jointly by Crystal Palace and Mumbai City FC of the Indian Super League.
Pandya, who plays for Pune FC and is a member of the India U17s squad, impressed a judging panel led by former Eagles striker Mark Bright.
Speaking after his victory, Pandya said: “There were so many good players, but once it got down to the final eight [in the final of the competition on Sunday], I knew I was in with a chance.
“This is a dream come true for me to travel to England and train with the Crystal Palace academy.
“It’s a big day for me and I hope in a few years Indians will be playing in the Premier League or at big European clubs.”
The teenager will train at the academy for a week next Spring. He will have the chance to meet manager Neil Warnock and members of the Palace first team, while also attending a match at Selhurst Park as a guest of honour.
