By Our Reporter
Shillong, June 11: The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) is set to launch its inaugural Youth Leagues for U-14 and U-16 boys on July 20, as decided in a recent executive committee meeting. This marks a significant step in nurturing young football talent in the state.
The qualifiers for the fourth edition of the Meghalaya State League (MSL 4) are also on the horizon, tentatively scheduled to begin next month. The commencement of these qualifiers is contingent upon securing sponsorship approval from the state government. If approved, the MSL 4 proper is slated to start in August.
In addition to these developments, the MFA has announced plans for the inaugural Women’s League, expected to kick off towards the end of the year. MFA General Secretary Sunesh Syiem and Vice-President Cliff Nongrum shared these updates, underscoring the association’s commitment to expanding football opportunities across genders and age groups.
The MFA’s executive committee convened on Saturday to finalize these plans. Unique to this statewide tournament, the Youth Leagues will feature competition not between clubs but among affiliated district associations.
A total of 20 district associations are set to participate in this inaugural edition, following the completion of age screening last month.
The Women’s League will also adopt a similar format, with district associations competing against each other. This tournament is expected to take place in October or November, adding to the robust football calendar planned by the MFA.
These initiatives reflect the MFA’s dedication to promoting and developing football at all levels within Meghalaya.