Meghalaya government allocates land for NorthEast United FC to set up academy

The move is part of the efforts to turn the state into a developmental epicenter for football.

Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC has been cleared by the Meghalaya State Government to set up a Residential Football Academy at Mawkhanu in the New Shillong Township with their assistance. This step was taken to follow up on the initiative to make Meghalaya the football hub of the country.

On Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma welcomed the Durand Cup 2024-winning side to Meghalaya, mentioning how much of a boost the residential academy will provide to the current football ecosystem in the state.

“We are coming with many programs including grassroots level programs for picking up talent at a young age and to promote them at a very young age; so many things are going to be happening, so we are looking forward to this partnership,” mentioned the executive head of the state.

NorthEast United FC to set up academy

Conrad Sangma also interacted with the Highlanders’ players, hailing them as ‘icons’ of the youth in the state of Meghalaya. He voiced out his aspirations mentioning, “Partnering with us in the State is not just about the games but about the larger impact that we will see especially for the youngsters who like to see one day wearing that jersey and playing for NorthEast United, and maybe representing the country at the top level.”

The Meghalaya Government officially penned a deal with NorthEast United on 14th March allocating 15 acres of land to the club to set up a ‘state of the art’ Residential Football Academy in New Shillong. Sangma’s government has been relentless in its pursuit and support of football as Meghalaya Tourism has been the main sponsor for the club in the last two seasons.

On Thursday, NorthEast United CEO, Mandar Tamhane, acknowledged in a press conference that the kind of support the club is receiving from the state government is something which he has not witnessed elsewhere in India. He further said, “We are happy that the Meghalaya Government has given us 15 acres of land on the outskirts of Shillong to develop our residential academy.”

Mr. Tamhane also revealed that the club has been closely working with the Tourism Department of Meghalaya to reach out to different districts and develop football at the grassroots level.

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