By Nabarun Goswami
SHILLONG: The State Government should spare more funds for the development of football in Meghalaya, a state that has done well to professionalise the sport and make a mark at the national level.
This was stated by All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee member and I-League vice-chairman Ankur Dutta, who was in the city recently to witness the conduct of the I-League match between Shillong Lajong FC and Mohun Bagan.
Dutta rued that a lack of funds from the government has been the bane of football across the country and urged the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) to constantly impress upon the authorities the need for funds, which would lead to better infrastructure – a must for the game’s sustenance.
“Professional football is not just about the clubs but all involved in the game, which also includes the fans. To ensure that people get value for money there is a need for better infrastructure,” Dutta said, adding that although the fans have been loyal to the local clubs here, turning out in decent numbers for almost every I-League match, there is still a need to constantly improve the infrastructure to ensure the clubs do not lose out on support in the long run.
Dutta said it is the clubs who can take football to the next level with associations and federations playing a supporting role.
“Better seating arrangements, drinking water facilities, installing a giant screen, etc, are needed to make viewing a pleasant experience,” Dutta said, adding that a bigger turnout means more revenue for the clubs.
“All the clubs have a product called football, which they have to sell better to earn something extra that can be used for a side’s cause,” Dutta said.
He added that fund constraints are the biggest challenge that North East clubs face.
Talking about the future, Dutta asserted that stressing on youth development and focus on club football can sustain the game in the region.
While stating that Meghalaya has been successful in bringing about professionalism in football, Dutta lamented that other North Eastern states have so far failed in this respect.
The I-League vice-chairman, however, cautioned that merely focusing on the League clubs will not help the cause of the game in the region and proper attention has to be given to district-level football besides ensuring better exposure for local players so that the region can catch up with some other parts of the country.
Briefing on the stress being given to make things better at the grassroot level, Dutta said a task force has been created by the AIFF to look into football at the district and state levels.
The I-League vice-chairman, however, admitted that, at the moment, the AIFF was more focused on the development of I-League clubs.
Dutta concluded that football in most NE states is still at an amateur stage for want of proper infrastructure, full time coaches and better youth development programmes and there is a need to revive things soon.