The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) has partnered with the TATA Steel Limited to facilitate professional training for talented footballers from the State at the Tata Football Academy in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.

A release issued by the SAAP on Thursday said Tata Steel Limited will provide training and exposure to 80 boys and girls, selected across four categories—Under 21-Boys, Under 21-Girls, Under 15-Boys and Under 15-Girls—with 20 footballers in each category.

Selection trials were held at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) stadium in Vijayawada on Thursday. The SAAP organised a football exhibition match at the stadium. Chief of Sports, Tata Steel Limited, and CEO of Jamshedpur Football Club, Mukul Choudhari, interacted with the young players who participated in the recently-concluded SAAP League Football competitions.

Later, Mr. Mukul Choudhari and SAAP Managing Director and Vice-Chairperson S. Bharani discussed the possibility of long-term collaboration between Tata Steel and SAAP for promoting football in the State, athlete exposure, and high-performance pathways for young talent.

Ïn a statement, Ms. Bharani said young athletes need structured competition, professional guidance and exposure to elite sporting environments. The collaboration between SAAP and Tata Steel ensures that this goal is achieved, she said, adding that the initiative is also a step forward in building a stronger football ecosystem in the State.

Mr. Mukul Choudhary said this collaboration will help identify talented footballers and nurture them at the academy, he added.