NEUFC launch youth academy in Shillong
NorthEast United FC took a major step towards nurturing talent across the eight states of North-East India by launching a residential youth academy, the Centre of Excellence, that will operate out of Shillong.
“This is a dream come true,” team owner John Abraham said while making the announcement. “When I bid for the team three years ago my first goal was to start a residential academy for the talented kids there. We will all do everything in our power to provide every talented child the opportunity to learn and eventually play for the NEUFC first team,” he added.
The plan fell into place after NEUFC joined hands with Shillong United FC, formerly known as Royal Wahingdoh FC, to develop the region into a footballing power centre.
“We are delighted to start this developmental project with NEUFC,” Dominic Tariang, owner of Shillong United and partner, youth development, said.
“We have already charted a well-defined and competitive pathway for the talent pool of the North-East. We want to showcase all this on the biggest footballing stage in India,” Abraham added.
The two clubs will pick the best students for the CoE and not only provide them training and education but also competition throughout the year. Shillong United already have a solid base in the Meghalaya capital and will give the chosen ones opportunities to play and enhance their skills in the Shillong State League and other competitions.
The CoE will create teams in the Under-13, the Under-15 and Under-18 categories so that the NEUFC has an abundance of young talent to choose from in the near future.