NEUFC likely to play their ISL matches in Shillong by February 2025
Shillong, Sep 19: In a significant boost for football in Meghalaya, the state government has allocated 15 acres of land for the construction of a residential football academy by NorthEast United FC (NEUFC).
The construction is expected to commence in January 2025, according to Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NEUFC.
Speaking at a press conference held during an Open Training & Media Day event in Shillong on Thursday, Tamhane revealed the club’s intention to further integrate into the region’s football scene. “With the new academy and our partnership with Meghalaya, we are committed to developing football in the state. “The construction will begin early next year, and it will take around two years to complete,” he said.
Tamhane also indicated that NEUFC is targeting the later half of the Indian Super League (ISL) season in February 2025 to host their home matches in Shillong.
He noted that the infrastructure at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is almost ready to meet ISL standards, with only minor adjustments needed.
The club’s Head Coach, Juan Pedro Benali, shared his thoughts on the growing stature of ISL, asserting that the league is on par with international football leagues.
“The grass is always greener on the other side. ISL is as good as other leagues in the world and has played a crucial role in boosting Indian football,”
Benali remarked. However, Benali highlighted a pressing issue—the shortage of players in both the ISL and the I-League. “These leagues need more footballers. There’s a scarcity at the moment, and we need a larger pool of players coming through the system,” he added.
Benali emphasized the need for patience in the development of Indian football, especially at the grassroots level.
“Patience is key. We must focus on grassroots football and work diligently to promote young talent. The belief in the process is more important than just talking about it,” he said.
The press conference followed NEUFC’s Durand Cup 2024 victory, marking a momentous occasion for football fans in Meghalaya. Football enthusiasts, including students, got the opportunity to interact with NEUFC players like Redeem Tlang, Michel Zabaco, and Parthib Gogoi.
Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, also expressed his optimism for the future of football in the region.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting NEUFC and other clubs in turning Meghalaya into a football hub.
“With the academy and grassroots programs, we aim to nurture talent at a young age and give them the platform they need to excel in the sport,” he said.
Congratulating the team, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma stated,“You must have seen the kind of passion that the youth and people have for football; therefore, we really look forward to the future, to a lot of positive outcomes with the Indian Super League and the NorthEast United FC partnering with us in our state.
It is not just about the games but the larger impact that we will see especially for people who love football and our youngsters who we would like to see one day wearing that jersey and representing the country at the top level.”
Stating that NorthEast United FC coming together with other clubs will turn Meghalaya into an important hub for football, and with the setting up of the football academy, football will be given the boost it needs.
“We are also coming up with a lot of programs at the grassroots level for picking up talent at a young age and promote them,” he said.
In what could be a game-changer for Meghalaya’s football landscape, the collaboration between the state government and NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) promises to create opportunities that extend beyond the pitch.
With 15 acres earmarked for a state-of-the-art residential football academy, the region is poised to become a breeding ground for young talent.
The project, which kicks off in January 2025, underscores NEUFC’s commitment to nurturing grassroots football and empowering the youth in Meghalaya.
The plans for hosting Indian Super League (ISL) matches in Shillong further solidify the city’s standing as a future football hub. As the infrastructure at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium nears ISL standards, the dream of seeing Meghalaya host top-tier football is becoming a reality.
Both NEUFC’s CEO Mandar Tamhane and Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasized the long-term vision of developing local talent and addressing the scarcity of players in Indian football.
Patience and perseverance, as Benali suggested, will be key to ensuring that the region’s football ecosystem thrives.
The passion for football in the state is undeniable, and with these initiatives, the dream of seeing local youngsters donning the national jersey could soon be within reach.
In conclusion, with the Meghalaya government’s commitment to developing football infrastructure and NorthEast United FC’s plans for a residential academy and ISL matches in Shillong, the state’s football ecosystem is poised for significant growth.