Like most kids in India, these three teens from the south Mumbai slums started out playing cricket and only picked up football about four years ago, never suspecting that it would change their lives forever. Thanks to their love for the beautiful game, the trio are now packing their bags for London and Germany, where they have been invited for training programmes, all expenses paid.

Kick off: Sunil Mohan (left) and Sunil Tulsiram are excited about going to London. This will be their first time abroad, but the only thing they’re nervous about is the flight. Pic/Suresh KK