RFYC Naupang League: A new hope for Mizoram Football

The Naupang League is laying foundation for numerous young kids to achieve their dreams.

The Mizoram Football Association joined hands with the Reliance Foundation to launch a new league called the Naupang League. The Naupang (children) league aims to develop grassroots football in Mizoram. It was inaugurated in November 2022 and is presently divided into three age groups (U-7s, U-9s, and U-13s).

It is spread across four districts in Mizoram (Aizawl, Champhai, Lunglei, and Kolasib) and each district has witnessed good participation since the launch. Each team gets to play 30 matches in a season running from November to May every year. The league has also brought in new energy among several people in the Mizoram football fraternity. 

Parent's dedication and sacrifice  

Most of the parents in the RFYC Naupang League sacrifice their job to help their children play in the league. One of the parents said,” I am a daily wage labourer and whenever my son has matches, I have to sacrifice a day's salary.”

“One of the coaches said, my son has got good potential, so I thought why not sacrifice time and money for a day?” she added.

Laldinpuia is one of the budding youngsters (U-9s) to play in the league. He trains under coach Anand who runs an academy (training close to 70 kids). 

Anand iterated, “One day, Laldinpuia was playing beside my training ground and on seeing his performance I asked his mother to send him for training. She replied that they do not have enough money to send him for training. I wanted to train Laldinpuia, as he possessed interest in playing football and subsequently did not charge any money for his training.”

“Majority of the kids I train come from a poor background. There were around 30 kids in my academy last year, but as soon as the Naupang League got announced the number soared upto 70. The kids came up in large numbers to take part in the league. Currently, I have stopped the admission and maybe after the league gets over in June, then will intake a few more into the academy. It is like, the kids study at my academy and give their exams here (Naupang League),” he added.

Lalrinfela (6) and Vanlalnunrempuia (8) are two bright future prospects of Mizoram football. The younger one has scored 91 goals and the elder has netted 90 times in 18 matches each. Lalchatuana (father of the two kids) said, “My kids were interested to play football and I wanted them to give them the best training and facilities possible. During the matchdays, we start around 6 AM and it takes nearly four hours to reach the stadium in Aizawl (Rajiv Gandhi Stadium).”

“During the off days, I help both my sons with training in front of the house, using wooden sticks as cones and empty noodle boxes as markers,” he added.  

April Lalruattluangi, daughter of former East Bengal player Shylo Malsawmtluanga (popularly called “Mama”) plays in the RFYC Naupang League (in U-13s). Shylo was the first footballer from Mizoram to play for the national team and the Kolkata clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

Girls do not have separate teams, rather they play alongside the boys in the same team. April quipped, "I started playing football at the age of seven. I saw my father play with his friends regularly which inspired me to take up the sport. Also, I got inspired by the way (Lionel) Messi played (laughs), which is one of the reasons to love football.”

A few of the current prominent football players also lend their support to the Naupang League. ATK Mohun Bagan’s Lalthathanga Khawlhring (commonly known as Puitea) was present at the stadium (before the start of Hero Super Cup) to support the future generation.

Puitea said, “I would like to thank Reliance Foundation for conducting this league. After a few years, this league will help change the dynamics of Indian football. During my days we used to play football only on the pitch, but now you have to stay in touch off the pitch as well (by maintaining good health and staying fit). In particular, football has taught me how to treat and respect people. Football gave me a new life. The kids will develop professionalism within 10 to 15 years, if they continue to play football in the similar fashion." 

"14-year-old" Referee

Immanuel Lalropuia is a 14-year-old referee who does his job to perfection. He is the first person to arrive at the stadium and the last to leave on matchdays. He carries a small notepad and writes down the important instances that have occured on the field after the match (like a report). Immanuel officiates junior level matches (U-7s and U-9s) in the Naupang League.

On the reason behind taking up refereeing as a career, he replied, “I am interested in being a referee rather than playing football. It helps me be employed. Moving forward, with experience, I can officiate in top leagues (like the I-League and the ISL).”

The league in its inaugural edition has helped many young kids play competitive matches and going forward shall have a greater impact on Mizoram football.