Guwahati: NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) and Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) have made a significant deal to boost football development in Arunachal Pradesh. Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and APFA President, along with John Abraham, the owner of NorthEast United FC, signed a five-season agreement. At the signing event, important figures such as Shri Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Kipa Ajay, APFA Secretary and AIFF Treasurer; and Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, were in attendance.
This partnership aims to transform the football scene in Arunachal Pradesh by improving infrastructure, coaching, and player growth. One of the main features of the collaboration is the creation of two residential academies in Arunachal Pradesh, one at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia and the other in Namsai. NorthEast United FC will offer its professional knowledge to assist in establishing and operating these academies, guaranteeing a well-rounded player development program from grassroots to elite tiers.
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The Memorandum of Understanding details various strategic plans such as scouting and player identification, coaching program creation, and coaching training. NorthEast United FC plans to create coaching frameworks tailored to different age categories, emphasizing fundamental (U-7, U-9, U-11) and transitional stages (U-13, U-15). The club will oversee the functions of the academies, including player recruitment and daily management, to ensure well-equipped facilities and efficient operations. An important aspect of the deal also involves the growth of the Baby League (U-7 & U-9), a successful program done in partnership with the APFA. The league is expanding to include additional age categories, establishing the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Premier League to support and showcase young football talent.
The collaboration emphasizes coach training, with NorthEast United FC's First-Team Assistant Coach and Head of Youth Development actively involved in educating local coaches. The club will work together with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to organize a Certificate Coaching Course License, aiming to enhance coaching standards in the region and provide appropriate guidance to local talent. During the signing ceremony, Shri Pema Khandu conveyed his enthusiasm for the partnership, referring to it as a crucial moment for the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association. He stressed that collaborating with NorthEast United FC would greatly improve football growth in the area. He stated that he believes this partnership will improve football in Arunachal Pradesh and create successful athletes to compete nationally.
John Abraham, the NorthEast United FC owner, expressed his excitement for the MoU, emphasizing the club's dedication to representing the whole northeastern area. He stated that this collaboration is a significant event in our past and we are enthusiastic to collaborate with the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association to develop football as a popular sport in the region. The collaboration between NorthEast United FC and the APFA is considered a significant advancement in fostering soccer in the northeastern area of India. NorthEast United FC, with its vast knowledge in youth development, coaching, and football infrastructure, is ready to have a major impact on the future of football in Arunachal Pradesh.
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Both sides are envisioning a future where this partnership will establish a solid base for the sport, opening up opportunities for young athletes to succeed and motivating upcoming generations to participate in the game. It is anticipated that the project will create long-term impact in the area, establishing Arunachal Pradesh as a central location for football growth in India.
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