SHILLONG: In a bid to push for sports development in the state, the Meghalaya government has partnered with the North East United Football Club (NEUFC) to establish a residential football academy in Shillong.
This collaboration, announced on Thursday during an event in Shillong, marks a significant milestone in the region’s sporting landscape.
The initiative aims to nurture budding football talent by providing them with access to top-notch training facilities and resources.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to offer financial assistance to promising athletes.
“Happy to announce Government of Meghalaya’s partnership with @TheJohnAbraham and @NEUtdFC for establishing a football residency academy in #Shillong,” posted Chief Minister Sangma, underscoring the government’s commitment to sports development, on social media.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of Chief Minister Sangma’s launch of the Meghalaya Sports Scholarship Scheme, designed to support local talents in their athletic pursuits.
Under this scheme, athletes will receive monthly financial assistance ranging from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 8000, based on their performance and achievements in various tournaments.
During the event, actor and NEUFC co-owner John Abraham graced the occasion, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the club and the government to bolster sports infrastructure and talent development in the state.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sangma also inaugurated Phase 3 of the Talent Identification Programme and Phase 2 of the Elite Pathway Programme, demonstrating the state’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with a structured pathway to success in various sports disciplines.
“Through talent identification programme, we are harnessing the potential of our young children in line with the best recommended practices. The elite pathway programme is a yearlong initiative through which we will train and empower our youth in different sports disciplines,” Chief Minister Sangma remarked, highlighting the holistic approach towards sports development in the state.
