Super Soccer Star in the making makes to Super Cup
Venkat Raman –
venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
The fast-rising soccer star of the Indian community and indeed the country will be among a chosen few to represent New Zealand at the forthcoming Super Cup NI 2016 in Northern Ireland.
Fifteen-year-old Arzan Todywalla is getting ready for the tour which will take him to a number of clubs and places from July 17 to August 1, 2016. Formerly known as Northern Ireland Milk Cup, this year’s event will be held from July 24 to July 29.
This would be his third soccer tour of Europe in as many years. Arzan and his group will visit London and Barcelona where his team will play matches against professional teams.
Global Tournament
Since its commencement in 1983 with 16 teams mostly from neighbouring countries, the Tournament has grown to accommodate more than 50 teams from across the Continents, representing six FIFA Confederations.
Among the past winners include FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Rangers, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Spartak Moscow, Fluminese (Brazil), Aspire, Corinthians, Everton, Maccabi Haifa and Guadalajara.
Dedicated Player
It is no secret that all participants have a burning passion for Soccer.
It is somewhat different for Arzan.
“Some call it Soccer, I call it life,” he said.
Highly motivated, dedicated and committed, this Year 10 Student at Saint Kentigern College hopes to achieve several ‘goals’ (pun intended) for himself, his family, community and the country. He is a Striker who has impressed everyone around him.
“I hope to become the best and most useful player for any team that I would have the opportunity to play now in the future,” he said.
His parents, coaches, peers and friends say that Arzan is a hard worker with a ‘never-give-up approach.
Enriching experience
“Arzan is enthusiastic, friendly and gets along fast and respects all his teammates. Although just 15 years old, he already has rich experience of playing in different states, countries and against many different teams,” they said.
Arzan said that he uses the experience that he has earned to improve himself and members of his team.
“I have a lot more to learn from my respectable coaches and other players,” he said.
Family support
His parents Viraf and Pearl Todywalla sacrifice their weekends and holidays to attend to the needs of their son while Arzan’s sister Afreen supports all his moves.
“He has training on all week days and games at most weekends,” Viraf said, to which Pearl added, “Despite spending hours and days training and playing indoor and outdoor soccer, Arzan is focused on his studies too. He does not use Soccer trainings as an excuse to get away from schoolwork.”
The Indian Newslink family has known the Todywallas since their arrival in New Zealand from Mumbai in 2002.
Career Highlights
The first highlight in Arzan’s career occurred in 2014 when he was selected for trial at Birmingham City FC in United Kingdom.
BCFC coaches selected him to play two games on behalf of the Club. They won both games and Arzan impressed them scoring two goals on his debut.
The Club invited him again last year for a three-week ‘elite training.’
He played three games, scoring in two of them. The Club won all three games.
Significant Year
The current year has been significant to Arzan on the home score. He was recently selected for New Zealand Nationals Championships to be held at Palmerston North from July 15, 2016.
Photo:
Soccer is life for Arzan Todywalla
Picture of Arzan here and on Page One were by Madeline Thibaud
