Know about the Four Corners Unite – an initiative for betterment of football

by Chittu Shetty September 27, 2017

It’s no secret that Manipur is the hub of Indian football, the fact that most of the national team players be it the senior Men’s team, women’s team or the upcoming U-17 world Cup squad have most of the players from Manipur

Despite producing huge talents in bulks the situation of Manipur football can still improve, believes Tejesh Sharma who went there to observe how the state produces such talents. “After coming across so many footballers from this one state, I felt like I should go take a look at how the sport is played in Manipur.”

Impressed by the passion for football there, Tejesh is not surprised with the fact that Manipur football talents is visible all over the country “For years now, Manipur had produced footballers who have gone on to represent the Indian national team and top clubs around the country. It’s also not surprising to find Manipuri players turning out for local clubs in Bombay. In fact, our Indian women’s team too has a lot of players from Manipur, and is led by a Manipuri, Ngangom Bala Devi”

Having worked from ground level with PIFA Sports FC to ISL club Pune city FC, Tejesh believes the situation can be even better, “While driving around Imphal, visiting the many villages on the outskirts, one thing that stood out for me, was the equipment that the players used. The balls were worn out, the cones and ladders at training were broken and the boots too were not the best.”

He continued, “Since that first visit, I’ve gone there a few times and now have many friends there. During our conversations, I asked them how I could help the sport. They had no answers. But I thought just giving them access to better equipment could be one possible solution. That’s when I thought of reaching out to friends and family to raise funds for the Four Corners Unite project.”

Having worked throughout his life in and around football from working as statistician in Afghanistan premier league to managing clubs like PIFA Colaba FC of Mumbai and many more. Tejesh Sharma, with his new initiative Four Corners Unite now intends to work in giving footballers access to better equipments.

“If they could manage to play football at the highest level in the country with what they have as of now, surely it could only get better if they had access to better equipment. Through Four Corners Unite, I would like to do my bit for the people of Manipur, especially the kids; for they are the future of football and hold great promise in the years to come.”

But this bold initiative requires funding and Tejesh Sharma wants people to contribute whatever little they could for the betterment of the game “Come December, I would like to spend a month in Manipur and take charge of the distribution of the equipment that I will buy through your funds. And on my birthday which falls on the 18th, I will celebrate with the kids of Manipur at a grassroots football festival that I wish to organise.”

“It’s a small start to Four Corners Unite, but the dream, is to eventually take the beautiful game to other football-crazy parts of the country such as Manipur”

Also Read: We are 100% ready to host the U-17 world cup: Praful Patel

If you are interested you could contribute in the following ways by:

1) Entire Kit: 11 bibs, 2 Speed Ladders, 1 set Saucer Cones, 6 Hurdles,

12 Cones, 4 Balls, 1 Bag

Cost: 5000

2) You can contribute for the following:

-1 Set of Bibs (11bibs): Rs.792

-1 Set of Ladders (2 ladders) : Rs. 594

-1 Set of saucer cones (50 pieces) : Rs.450

-1 Set of Hurdles (6 Hurdles) : Rs.528

-1Set of cones (12 cones) : Rs.240

-1 Kit Bag: Rs. 390

– A set of 4 balls: Rs. 1700

*The above prices are including taxes, transportation, etc.*

You can give any amount as there are other costs as well to cover like food, etc.

The account details are:

1) Name: Tejesh Manoj Sharma

2) Bank: HDFC

3) Account No. : 50100205328119

4) IFSC Code: HDFC0000085

5) Branch: Regal Cinema Building

Email: [email protected]

– An initiative by four corners

A note from Tejesh Sharma

I just wanted to add that if you send money please send a mail to the email of the transaction ID and what amount you have sent. So it will be easier for accounts. Also donations will be accepted till 15 October as the orders to the vendors have to be given and then transported to Imphal, Manipur. Also people can have a view of what amount has been collected and what is remaining on our Facebook page.