MUPC - As big as Champions League when you are Under-15!

What is common to Andres Iniesta Lujan, Francesc Fabregas Soler, Fernando Jose Torres Sanz and the Da Silva twins - Rafael and Fabio? The answer is they were all given a chance to shine, way before they actually became a midfield general, brilliant playmaker, Spanish goal machine and Brazil’s future attacking full backs, by a Fifa Club World Cup or Champions League like tournament for Under – 15′s – The Manchester United Premier Cup.

It is a global youth football tournament envisioned by Nike in 1993 as a grassroots tournament and evolved to become a global celebration of youth football when Nike took over as kit sponsors to Manchester United after Umbro, Manchester United and it’s hallowed grounds – Old Trafford became a partner to this exciting platform for the exceptionally talented kids from all over the world to showcase their talents. India’s very own Shillong Lajong FC were part of this big tournament. By 2007-08, there were 9400 teams all over the world competing in regional tournaments for the 20 available places of the main draw in the premier cup world finals. The first ever winners of this tournament was Platense from Argentina and the current holders of this trophy is Pachuca from Mexico. Barcelona themselves took part with their La Masia graduates and won it twice in 1999 and 2007.

Traveling all around the world and playing footie in the greatest of stages may sound exciting. But the MUPC is no kick-about stuff, it’s the Champions League for some of the most talented U-15 kids around. Here’s the top 5 who came through to be where they are today:

Andres Iniesta: After he was discovered playing for Albacete, Barcelona took him to the Masia at the age of 12. He won the MUPC with Barcelona in 1999 when the city was chosen as the host for the world finals.Was tournament MVP as he scored a number of crucial goals and set a few up, including the golden goal against Argentina’s Rosario Central which won them the title.

Joined Barca at the age of 12, took part in the MUPC and won it with Barcelona in 1999.

Francesc Fabregas: He was Premier Cup teammate to Lionel Messi and Gerrard Pique. Though Barcelona did not win it in 2002 with those three in the team, he was still one of the highlights of the tournament. And in 2003 he joined Arsenal, guess Professor Wenger was keeping a eye on the MUPC.

“The Premier Cup is a good experience for all young players. It conditions you to play in a tournament at a high competitive level. At that age this can be a valuable experience that you can use later in your professional career.” – Fabregas

Cesc from his La Masia days.

Fernando Torres: El Nino way before Liverpool or a 50 million transfer to Chelsea was a MUPC MVP in European regionals in 1999 with his parent club Atletico Madrid. Was later voted best player in both the European U-16 and U-19 championships and made his La Liga debut at the age of 17.

“I really loved my Premier Cup experience with Atlético because it gave me and my team-mates a taste of what life as a professional footballer would be like. The chance for kids to play against teams from all over Europe is just incredible. If I could give them some advice it would be to listen and learn, play with passion and try their best every minute of every game.” – Torres

El Nino – MUPC MVP in 1999 with Atletico Madrid.

Rafael and Fabio Da’ Silva: Exceptionally talented Brazilian fullbacks with a fiery desire to attack more than defend like most Brazilians. Were an impressive and title winning combo for Brazilian league side Fluminese in 2005. Manchester United signed the ‘Brazilian Nevilles’ in 2008.

A taste for Champions League football, a chance to dance after scoring in some of the biggest grounds in European football, culminating in a final to be played on the perfect blades of grass in the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, as Old Trafford has been the World stage host for 6 consecutive years now. All these and a chance to join the biggest names in club football if you are exceptional like the above 5 and more, is the stuff that regular 15 year olds kicking a football would dream of Wouldn’t they?

The red hot twins of Manchester United – MUPC winners with Fluminese in 1995.