NEUFC to set up residential academy in Shillong

GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) has chalked out plans to develop soccer at the grassroot level and promote their team across the region.

Talking to the media persons on NEUFC Media Day programme the CEO Mandar Tamhane said, “Like other teams of the ISL, NorthEast United FC is a little different as it represents the 8 states, not a city and we have the responsibility to promote the games in every state. There is a huge talent pool in the North East and we have planned to set up multiple day-boarding academies in the next 5 years in all the 8 states of Northeast so that we can reach the grassroots to scout and nurture talent. Those academies will be in the age group of under-7, under-9 and under-11. We are also on the way to establish a residential academy in Shillong and are in discussion with the Me-ghalaya government.”

The CEO today also said, “We are trying to arrange two of our home games in ISL in Shillong this season. The developmental work of infrastructure is going on in Shillong and we are expecting that it will be ready by December. We are in discussion with the Meghalaya Government, the ISL authorities and are very optimistic that we will be able to play our two games there.

The Media Day programme was also attended by Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali, Assistant coach Naushad Moosa and players like Parthib Gogoi, Mirshad Michu and Miguel Zabaco.

Juan Pedro Benali also took a few questions from the scribes and said that he was trying his best to build a good team for the ISL this season, “We are really working hard and are very focussed to our job. Keep believing in us.”

He also praised young Parthib Gogoi who is likely to be an integral part of the NEUFC this season. Replying to a query from The Sentinel the coach said, “Parthib is a very good player and just 20 years old. Recently he joined the Indian squad also. I feel the player has a very bright future.”

NEUFC will start their campaign in the 10th edition of the league on November 24 with a home game against Mumbai City.

Meanwhile Parthib Gogoi today also spoke for a while with The Sentinel. Talking about his plans for the season the footballer, hails from Sivasagar, said, “ I have now only one aim and it is to play good football in the ISL and book a berth in the Indian senior team.”

Commenting on NEUFC’s possibe performance in the league the footballer said, “This time our team is very good. Coach and support staffs are always trying to bring out the best from us. If we can deliver as per the expecta-tion I hope we will do very well.”

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