Bengaluru, Dec 6 (IANS): Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) right-back Bernard Mendy launched the club's elite training programme here Saturday. It will cater to a maximum of 40 children in the age group of 8-14, who have been identified through the city-located PSG Academies over the last few months and by coaches within the local school system.

The elite training programme will complement the selected applicants current school programme on weekends.

"Some of my most memorable years in football I've spent proudly wearing the Parisian jersey and it gives me great joy to spread the PSG philosophy and aid the development of football through a club that has given me so much," Mendy said.

"I'm very excited at the prospect of the PSG Indian academies - I know the early response has been terrific - as I believe that India will be a strong footballing nation in the years to come and the talent is at the very grassroots of the country."