Grand Finale to the Tata Tea Jaago Re Inter Milan Soccer Stars ‘12

16 talented players selected to represent India in a soccer tournament in Milan

Kolkata, May 23, 2012 – The five-month long under-15 soccer talent hunt by Tata Tea in association with football club Inter Milan witnessed a grand finale today. At a press conference, 16 young players (U-15) were recognized for their exceptional soccer talent. These talented youngsters will go on to represent India at a youth tournament in Milan later in the year.

From amongst over 6500 young players from over 650 schools in the fifth season, 37 of the most talented from 15 locations across the country were selected to be trained by Inter Milan coaches. Mr. Jamshid Nassiri, tournament Head Scout closely monitored all the matches and selected 37 of the most talented players for the training camp in Kolkata. The 16 most talented players were chosen after a week-long intensive training session.

Highlights of fifth season

• Over 6500 students from over 650 schools participated this year
• Played across four zones and 15 cities for players aged between 10-15 years this is the biggest ever season of Soccer Stars
• The winning team from each zone qualified for the finals in Shillong on April 28, 2012
• 15 teams competed in the national finals
• 37 of the most talented youngsters got selected for further training by Inter Milan and Indian coaches
• The final 16 will now represent India at a youth tournament in Milan

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Grover, Vice-President Marketing, Tata Global Beverages, said, "Through this initiative, Tata Tea aims to awaken young soccer talent across India and help them compete on the world stage. We are delighted to see the encouraging response this initiative has received year on year. What started off as a tournament 5 years ago is today India’s biggest platform for talented young players to make a mark in the sport. Tata Tea’s association with a reputed club like Inter Milan gives these 16 soccer stars access to world class coaching with the best mentors and an opportunity to go to Milan and experience soccer at the global level.”

Commenting on the association with Tata Tea, Mr. Marco Monti, Technical Director, Inter Academy Project, said "We are glad to be associated with Tata Tea on this initiative that focuses on grass-root level engagement and gives under-15 players a chance to explore opportunities in the world of soccer. We had an absolutely fantastic time at the camp in Kolkata nurturing some of the best soccer talent India has.”

The fifth and the biggest season ever of the all India ‘Tata Tea Jaago Re Inter Milan Soccer Stars ‘12’ kicked off in Bhubaneswar in December 2011 and went on to cover 15 cities across the length and breadth of the country. The national finals were played at Shillong on April 28, 2012. For more details visit: www.jaagoresoccerstars.com.

About Tata Tea Jaago Re Soccer Stars

Tata Tea Jaago Re Soccer Stars is a one of its kind soccer tournament for students aged between 10 - 15 years. The ‘Tata Tea Jaago Re Soccer Stars ’12 is Tata Tea’s attempt to connect with the youth of the country. The aim was to address young India and its enterprising youth willing to take charge of the country’s bright future through their actions. The idea was to suggest that tea is not only just a wake up drink but it also can be an effective tool or catalyst for individual and social awakening. The tournament offers the soccer stars, access to unparalleled training programs.

About Tata Tea and Tata Global Beverages

Tata Tea is a leading brand in India and is owned by Tata Global Beverages, a company which has presence in over 70 countries. Tata Global Beverages is a global beverage business and the world’s second largest tea company. The group’s annual turnover is US$1.5bn and it employs around 3,000 people worldwide. The company focuses on ‘good for you’ beverages and has a stable of innovative regional and global beverage brands, including: Tata Tea, Tetley, Himalayan natural mineral water, Good Earth and Eight O’clock coffee. For more information please visit our website www.tataglobalbeverages.com.

About FC Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan)

FC Internazionale Milano or simply Inter is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Inter have won the Italian Serie A title (Scudetto) 18 times, the UEFA Champions League three times; two back-to-back in 1964 and 1965 and then another in 2010. The club has also won three UEFA Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, seven Italian Cups and five Italian Super Cups.

Final 16 players -