Thiruvananthapuram: Sixteen-year-old Vardhin Manoj, a U.S. citizen by birth, has been offered a place in Harvard University soccer team becoming the first player from India to be offered a place in the elite team purely on the basis of football talent.
Vardhin Manoj, son of an IT professiona has agreed to join the team as soon as he finishes school, according to a The Hindu report.
The sixteen-year-old, who is in 11th grade at La Costa Canyon School in California, grabbed the limelight with his incredible performance at the U.S. Western Region competition.
A regular member of the San Diego Surf Academy under-16 team, Vardhin has been with the side for three years and has been the top scorer for his team for two consecutive seasons.
The young gun, who also trained with Manchester United development squad and was selected for the Olympic development Programme, told the Hindu that he wished to become a professional footballer and play in Europe.
“I am also keen to play in the ISL if I get a chance,” said the avid follower of footballing legend Ronaldo in the interview.
While encouraging his dreams, Vardhin’s parents, who are IT professionals, have kept a sharp eye on his studies.
“He looked very comfortable with the football when he first touched it. We have only encouraged but as he grew older I told him that his studies shouldn’t suffer because of his football. He is free to chase his dreams. I have given him all the support he needed,’’ said his father Manoj Prasad.
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