Boy from the hills,tries to find place at soccer fields

“We played four matches in Arsenal against Canada,England,South Africa and Spain. We defeated Canada and South Africa but drew against England. We lost in the semis in a penalty shootout by 7-5. The 12-day schedule was very comprehensive as it laid emphasis on skills and fitness. I feel there is lot of improvement in my game,” he said.

More than just the experience of playing abroad,Uttam also recalls with delight watching his heroes Cesc Fabregas and Van Persie during their practice sessions. Another aspect of the tour he remembers warmly is the crowd support. “Lot of spectators would come to see their practice matches. I think it gives a lot of boost to the players and that is the reason they perform well,” he added.

On his return from England Uttam joined the Indian camp being held in Gurgaon. A much improved player,Uttam gave credit to his stint at Arsenal. “In London,the coaches helped me out with my positioning and ball stopping which are crucial for a striker. The coaches here in the camp are also making sure that we err to the minimum in the match,” remarked Uttam.

But Rai is far from done with soccer. After completing his stint in Gurgaon,Uttam is scheduled to fly to Florida under the IMG Reliance Coaching Academies programme. There he will be provided with education and football coaching for nine months. Expressing joy over his achievement Uttam said he wished to make the most of the opportunity. “While my parents knew that I was going for tournaments,they did not expect that I would be going abroad for so long. They were very surprised,but they are also happy for me,”he added.

Coach Fardeen Qureshi of the Air Force School where Rai studies was all praise for his student and said that it was his own efforts in the game that had earned him his laurels. “He was unlike other footballers. Whenever I used to see him playing,I could see the passion for football in him. He was undoubtedly talented and his hard work on the field has given him justified rewards,” said Fardeen Qureshi.

While 2010 has been extremely lucky,Uttam regrets missing out on an opportunity to play in Switzerland. Rai was picked up by GCH club of Switzerland while he was taken by his school to play matches on the foreign soil in 2009. “They had signed a six month contract with me. But eventually it didn’t materialise. It would have been a great experience for me to play in Switzerland,” says Uttam.

But with other opportunities heaping his plate,his long term dream certainly doesnt seem to be a long shot. Uttam signs off by saying like many youngsters that he eventually aims to be a part of the Indian senior team.