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The globally celebrated grassroots football initiative, United We Play, launched for the first time in Bangladesh on May 1-2, 2024, at Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Dhaka. Organized by Apollo Tyres in collaboration with Manchester United, the event offered aspiring footballers aged 13-17 a chance to showcase their skills under the guidance of Michael Neary, Head of Coaching at Manchester United Soccer Schools. Over 1,000 young athletes, including members of the Bangladesh Football Federation's age-based women’s team, participated in the trials, vying for the ultimate opportunity to train with Manchester United academy players and visit Old Trafford. The two-day trials culminated with the selection of three standout players—Sadman Sajid Ayan, Papan Roy, and Rahat Sheikh—who will represent Bangladesh in the next phase at the Bengaluru camp in India. From there, one exceptional talent will earn the coveted prize: a trip to Manchester to train at Carrington Training Centre, meet Manchester United stars, and experience a match at the iconic "Theatre of Dreams." Michael Neary lauded the raw talent and passion displayed by Bangladeshi footballers, emphasizing their potential to succeed on international platforms.
This historic event marked a new chapter in Bangladesh’s sports culture, with Apollo Tyres’ Country Head, Mr. Md Ariful Karim, highlighting the initiative’s impact in nurturing young talent. The presence of Bangladeshi National Football Team captain Jamal Bhuiyan further motivated participants. As an effort to inspire and elevate local football, United We Play 2024 set the stage for young Bangladeshi athletes to dream big and reach new heights on the global stage.
The event was seamlessly executed with the dedicated efforts of Imago Management, whose meticulous planning and coordination ensured the smooth conduct of the trials. Creating a supportive environment for the young athletes. Imago Management played a pivotal role in making the debut of United We Play 2024 in Bangladesh a resounding success.