Now Ranbir promotes football

New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) After T20 cricket, T20 football is here! Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, brand ambassador of Pepsi, has urged the youth to be part of the new sport format, which he feels could give a boost to football in the country.

Pepsi has launched Pepsi T20 Football, a mega football league format with a twist.

It is for amateurs and winners of the nationwide tournament will get a chance to play football against the Indian cricket stars, and will also get a chance to be coached by an international football star.

"Being a football enthusiast, I am glad that Pepsi is taking this initiative to popularise the sport amongst the youth of our country. I'm proud to be associated with it and confident that Youngistaan will enjoy the new format," Ranbir said in a press statement.

The contest is open for those between 14 and 30 years. The on-ground registrations and matches will be organised across major Indian cities namely Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Ludhiana and New Delhi.

The registration process is on and will end April 10.

"With the involvement of Indian cricketers, Bollywood and an international football star, the campaign promises to excite and engage not only the existing passionate football fans but the entire nation," said Homi Battiwalla, Category Director - Colas, Hydration & Mango Based Beverages, PepsiCo India..

As many as 64 teams from each city will compete in 20-minute matches and the top 32 will compete in the respective city finals.

The city finale will be organised in a metallic cage at a public venue.

A total of eight teams, including one winning team from each city and one wild card entry will compete to emerge as 'Game Changers'.

They will then get the opportunity to be coached by an international football star before they face the cricket stars at the grand finale.