By Our Reporter
Shillong, April 14: The Don Bosco Football Academy has announced its upcoming selection trials, inviting aspiring players from across the region to showcase their talent and earn a place in its residential programme.
Accredited by the All India Football Federation, the academy continues its efforts to identify and nurture promising footballers from grassroots levels.
The trials are scheduled to be held on April 22, 2026, with reporting time fixed at 8:30 AM.
The venue will be the football ground of H. Elias Higher Secondary School, located at Nongshiliang Nongthymmai, where preparations are underway to host a large turnout of hopefuls.
Organised in collaboration with Playfit Football Coaching Centre, the initiative reflects a growing push to strengthen youth development pathways in Meghalaya—a state where football is not merely a sport, but a way of life.
The selection process will cater to three age categories: Under-17 (born 2010–2011), Under-15 (2012–2013), and Under-13 (2014–2015).
Those selected will gain access to structured training and exposure to competitive platforms, including AIFF youth leagues, KFA youth leagues, the Reliance Youth Development League, and prestigious tournaments such as the Subroto Mukherjee International Cup and National School Games.
There is more at stake than just selection. Scholarships will be offered to deserving candidates, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of talent.
Participants have been asked to carry essential documents, including Aadhaar card and birth certificate copies, for verification purposes.
In a state that has consistently produced gifted footballers, initiatives like these serve as vital stepping stones.
And as young players lace up their boots on that April morning, the field in Nongthymmai may well become the starting point of journeys that extend far beyond Shillong—into stadiums, leagues, and dreams yet to be realised.
For many, it will be just another trial. For a few, however, it could be the beginning of something far greater—a chance to step out of the familiar lanes and onto a larger stage.
