Latest news with #YouthDevelopment
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pakistan to review security threats before sending hockey team to India for Asia Cup and World Cup
Pakistan is set to review the security situation in India before deciding whether to send its national hockey team for the upcoming Asia Cup and Junior World Cup later this year. A top government official has said that the national team will not be sent to India if there are security threats to them. Rana Mashood, who is the chairman of Prime Minister's Youth Development and Sports Program, said that Pakistan would travel to India for the tournaments if the government was totally satisfied with the security situation. "The government will review the security situation in India for Pakistani nationals and if it is not satisfied it will not put any of our players at risk by sending them to play in India," Mashood, a former minister said. He pointed out that after India's Operation Sindoor, the situation is not safe for Pakistani nationals to travel to India. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has sought advice and permission from concerned ministries to send national teams for the two major hockey events scheduled in India with next month's Asia Cup also serving as a qualifier for the next World Cup in 2026. Rana Mujahid, the secretary-general of PHF, admitted that in the past Pakistan had taken part in some international events in India. "But as of now the situation is different, relations are strained so we can only move forward when the government gives us clearance," he said. He pointed out that the PHF was keeping a watch on threats being issued to the hockey team players on social media.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marchisio slams ‘truly alarming' Italian youth development
Former Juventus and Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has criticised the 'truly alarming' lack of development of young Italian players by Serie A clubs – stating the need to implement rules to help prevent an over-reliance on foreign youngsters. Speaking in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, via TMW, Marchisio said 'I now run an agency as a football agent and the data we have on the use of Italian players is truly alarming. Two or three years ago the Primavera was won by a team that didn't have a single Italian player on the pitch. And only 2% of those non-european youngsters went on to play professionally. Juventus former football player Claudio Marchisio takes part in the 'Together, a Black & White Show' event, the first Juventus party dedicated to all its fans, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, on October 10, 2023. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images) 'The rules state that foreign players can arrive after the under-16 level. From that point onwards, you see very few Italian or even European players in the youth teams.' Advertisement Marchisio wants new rules to allow young Italians to flourish Marchisio also provided a recommendation as to how he would protect the interests of Italian youth players, as well as preventing the exploitation of youngsters from poorer countries: 'There's also a significant economic exploitation of teenagers from the poorer parts of the world. 'What could be done? There should be a rule that youth teams can only field a maximum of three non-European players – rising to possibly six or eight in Senior teams.' BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League match between Brighton & Hove Albion v Olympique de Marseille at American Express Community Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by) He also criticised the globalisation of the sport and how the desire to buy and sell has damaged the beauty of it: 'Rino Gattuso said in his presentation that the percentage of Italian players [in Serie A] is just over 35%. There are Serie A teams that play without a single player trained in our country. Buying and selling has become the norm, like everything else in a globalised society – but the beauty of sport lies in developing talent.' Advertisement Marchisio was a part of one of Italian football's golden generations, playing alongside the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo in the team that finished as runners-up in Euro 2012. He was also a key player for Juventus as the Bianconeri lifted seven consecutive Scudetti between 2011-12 and 2017-18.
Business Recorder
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PCB shortlists 30 players for U19 skills assessment camp ahead of Asia, World Cups
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced a 30-member squad for the third phase of the U19 Skills Assessment Camp, scheduled to commence in Multan on July 7 and continue till the end of August. According to the PCB, the selection follows a rigorous, match-based assessment process conducted in two earlier phases, during which 65 players were evaluated under the supervision of former Test captain and Head of Youth Development, Azhar Ali. Among the selected players, 20 were shortlisted on the basis of their performances in the first two phases, while 10 additional players, who have previously represented Pakistan at the U19 level and remain eligible for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, have also been included. The third phase of the camp aims to fine-tune the technical and mental aspects of young cricketers in preparation for upcoming assignments, including the ACC U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup. The PCB also concluded a separate three-phase Skills Development Camp for 47 senior players at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore from June 30 to July 4. List of selected U19 players: Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Abbas Khan, Abdul Wahab, Ali Hassan Baloch, Asad Umar, Daniyal Ali Khan, Ghulam Haider, Hamza Zahoor, Haroon Khan, Hazrat Ali, Huzaifa Ahsan, Ibtisam Azhar, Mohammad Arshad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Niqab Shafiq, Rana Adeel Mushtaq, Rizwanullah, Saad Sakhawat, Sadeeq Aman, Sameer Minhas, Yahya Shah, Farhan Yousaf, Hassan Khan, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Tahir, Momin Qamar, Tayyab Arif, Umar Zaib, and Usman Khan.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Winger Yogane joins Dundee on loan from Brentford
Dundee head coach Steven Pressley has returned to former club Brentford to sign 19-year-old left winger Tony Yogane on a season-long was the Premier League club's head of individual player development before moving to Dens Park this he oversaw Yogane's development through the club's youth system, his debut and, so far, only first-team appearance last year in a Carabao Cup win over Leyton Orient, then a loan spell with Exeter Croydon-born teenager told Dundee's website: "Steven worked with me closely and looked after me, so I couldn't say no when the opportunity came."Yogane began his career in Sheffield Wednesday's youth system before moving to Brentford as a ended last season having made 19 appearances, five of them starts, as Exeter finished the League One campaign in 16th place."It was good - the league was obviously tougher, a different experience, but a good experience to play that amount of games," Yogane said of the jump from under-21 games with Brentford.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Medical Next Week' – Liverpool Set to Sign Midfielder
Liverpool Closing in on Deal to Sign Blackpool Wonderkid Liverpool's summer of high-calibre investment continues with a long-term focus, as Football Insider reveals the club have agreed a six-figure deal for Blackpool midfielder Gabriel Schluter. The 16-year-old is set to undergo his medical next week, according to transfer insider Pete O'Rourke, as the Reds beat competition from Fulham and Stockport to the teenager's signature. Advertisement This marks another proactive youth acquisition following a string of major arrivals. The likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Freddie Woodman have already been added to Arne Slot's title-winning squad, with Schluter potentially making it six new faces at the AXA Training Centre this summer. A product of Blackpool's youth system, Schluter has impressed internally and externally. His senior debut came in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy against Liverpool U21s, where he scored in the penalty shootout following a goalless draw. He also earned the Players' Player of the Year award at Blackpool's academy night in 2024, underlining his reputation as one to watch. Slot's Blueprint for Sustainable Success While Slot is inheriting a title-winning squad from Jurgen Klopp, he is clearly reshaping it with youth and versatility in mind. The reported capture of Schluter is consistent with a long-term philosophy that balances marquee names with youth prospects capable of breaking through. Advertisement At just 16, Schluter will be viewed as a project rather than a player for immediate impact. However, his early senior exposure and physical maturity for his age indicate potential that Liverpool's recruitment team are confident in. As Football Insider notes, 'Arne Slot's men have secured a medical for the 16-year-old next week.' Competition for his signature was serious. According to Football League World, 'Stockport and fellow Premier League side Fulham were understood to have kept a watching brief on the Blackpool star.' Beating Premier League rivals to emerging talent always adds extra gloss for supporters. Spotlight on Striker Situation While Schluter represents future promise, Liverpool's current intrigue lies in who may lead the line next season. Speculation continues around Darwin Nunez's future, with reports linking him to Napoli. If the Uruguayan departs, alternatives are being lined up. Advertisement Hugo Ekitike remains on the radar. As Christian Falk explained to CaughtOffside, 'Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United still have him on their radar. Liverpool could make a move once they have sold Darwin Nunez.' However, Eintracht Frankfurt's €100m valuation is a sticking point. With Alexander Isak also admired at Anfield, the question becomes one of strategy rather than desire. If Liverpool are willing to pay £85.4m for Ekitike, then 'is breaching the £100m mark for Isak too much of a swing?' Future-Proofing in Full Flow This combination of elite talent acquisition and sharp-eyed youth recruitment reinforces Liverpool's post-Klopp evolution. Gabriel Schluter's imminent arrival is not headline-grabbing like Florian Wirtz, but it typifies the foresight of a club aiming for sustained success. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis This feels like another smart play from Liverpool. Arne Slot has already shown he can mix youth with experience and win big, and the addition of Gabriel Schluter is the sort of deal that made the club's recruitment team famous under Michael Edwards. Advertisement It's particularly satisfying to snatch a top talent away from Fulham, who've been smart operators in the youth market themselves. The fact Schluter scored against our U21s and still got picked up shows we had eyes on him even before that. There's a sense he fits our modern midfield mould — aggressive, technical and mentally sharp. On the Ekitike front, fans are split. Some see him as the new Sadio Mane in terms of flair and movement, others worry about price and end product. But there's one thing that's becoming clear — if Nunez goes, we're not stepping back. We're ready to go big again. Whether that's Isak, Ekitike or someone out of the blue, the ambition remains sky high. Slot clearly has backing. The summer of 2025 is looking like a transformational one, and we're absolutely here for it.
