Over 5,000 school children in Goa these days are matching steps with former Manchester United great Brian McClair, also the academy director at Manchester United FC. McClair, who has turned out in United colours for a record 470 matches, is in the soccer crazy state on an invitation from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for a talent identification and development programme—Kick Off—organised in partnership with Bharti Airtel, Goa Football Association, Sports Authority of Goa and the state department of sports.

The team from Manchester United Soccer Schools, a youth development module from the Academy, is visiting several schools in Goa to spot the successors of Bhaichung Bhutia and Mahesh Gawli. In an e-mail interview with The Sunday Express McClair talks about his first impressions of Indian football.

What brings you to India?

•I am here with MUSS on a very exciting pilot programme to assess the footballing skills of 5,500 school children. We believe that through Manchester United Soccer Schools, we can take the heritage of the club and our football philosophy around the world.

What sort of football potential do you see in India? If you have had a look at the young crop of footballers here, tell us what is your first impression?

•There is definitely potential here. Before we did any assessment, we went on several trips to schools. I worked with some kids where I could see some real potential and there is also great passion for football, which is wonderful to see. We won’t know until after the assessments are complete exactly what the standard is here, but there is reason to believe that it will be high enough.

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