Indian youngster Dhruvmil Pandya to train at EPL club Crystal Palace's academy

English Premier League side Crystal Palace has selected a Mumbai youth to train at its famed academy for a year.

15-year old Dhruvmil Pandya even represented the Crystal Palace Academy in a friendly match against Milwall FC.

Pandya was selected from among 350 teenagers who competed at one of the club's initiative 'Play for Palace'.

The initiative is a result of a partnership between Crystal Palace and Hero Indian Super League team Mumbai City FC, which was agreed upon last year.

Pandya also had a short stint with the AIFF Regional Academies in Navi Mumbai and Goa prior to proceeding to Crystal Palace for the trials.

It has been learnt that the south London Club, founded in 1905, will pay for his education and training. As there isn't a residential academy, Pandya will be staying in London with a family member.

The Premier League is one of the most popular of all European leagues in India and the development is being branded as the beginning of many other youngsters to follow.

Among others, two Indian senior players - goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and winger Romeo Fernandes recently made their debut for Norwegian club Stabek and Brasilian side Atletico Paranaense respectively.

Pandya was chosen the winner by a panel of judges which included former Palace loyalist Mark Bright and former England international Robbie Fowler.