Shillong, June 23:The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) will be hosting the inaugural edition of Meghalaya Youth League for U-14 and U-16 boys from July 20.
It is also for the first time that the MFA will be holding the league in four different zones–East Khasi Hills Zone, West Khasi Hills Zone, Jaintia Hills Zone and Garo Hills Zone.
The statewide tournament will not be held between clubs but between affiliated sports associations. There are total numbers of 20 sports associations who will be taking part in the youth league. The age screening for the Youth Leagues concluded last month.
MFA General Secretary, Sunesh Syiem on Sunday informed that two teams from each zones will qualify for the quarter-finals which will be held in Shillong.
The MFA had held a meeting with representatives from the different associations at the conference room of the Shillong Sports Association (SSA) on Saturday.
The five teams which will feature in the East Khasi Hills Zone include Shillong Sports Association, Sohra Sports Association, Western Ri Bhoi Sports Association, Riwar Mihngi Football Association, Ri- Bhoi District Sports Association.
The six teams in the West Khasi Hills Zone include Nongstoin District Sports Association, Mawkyrwat District Sports Association, Pyndengumiong District Sports Association, Mawshynrut Sports Association, Tyrsad Area Sports Association and Eastern Border Sport Association.
The Five teams in the Jaintia Hills Zone include West Jaintia District Sports Association, Laskein Block Sports Association, East Jaintia District Football Association, Amlarem Block Sports Association and Saipung Area Sports Association.
The four teams which will be feature in the Garo Hills Zone include District Football Association, Tura, Williamnagar District Sport Association, District Sport Association, North Garo Hills and Baghmara District Football Association.
There also plan to hold Women’s League, whose inaugural edition could begin towards the end of this calendar year.The Women’s League will also be contested between the district associations, probably in October or November.
The Meghalaya Football Association’s initiative to launch the inaugural Meghalaya Youth League marks a significant step forward in nurturing young football talent across the state. By organizing the tournament in four distinct zones and involving a diverse array of sports associations, the MFA is fostering regional competition and camaraderie among youth players.
