Key is to enjoy & make a name for themselves: Leicester legend Steve Walsh to Indian youngsters in Next Gen Cup

Steve Walsh has termed the ongoing Next Generation Cup ‘a great tournament for Indian youngsters’. Walsh, who played for former Premier League champions Leicester City for 14 seasons has advised the emerging players to soak in the experience as much as possible. “I think the Next Generation Cup is such a great tournament.

The key is to enjoy and try and make a name for themselves. They are playing against some good quality teams and they will learn from that. I think it must be a fantastic thing for the young players to come over from their country and actually take part in this competition,” Walsh said.

The international tournament is part of Premier League’s partnership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and has five academy teams from England, two from India, and one from South Africa currently participating in the United Kingdom. The former defender, who resides in Leicester confessed he has a great connection with India considering the large expat population in the Midlands city. Walsh revealed he keeps an eye on how football in India has grown over the years and is impressed by how the Premier League and FSDL have worked together to take the sport to a new level.

“I have always been a keen follower of the development of Indian football and I believe it is wonderful what is happening. I am sure the younger ones will be the biggest beneficiaries of this partnership. This gives them an opportunity to develop and learn from the lens of how youth football operates here in England,” added the 57-year-old.