Shillong, May 8: The 2026 football season of the Shillong Sports Association got underway on Thursday with renewed focus on grassroots development, youth participation and strengthening the football ecosystem across Meghalaya.
The season was formally inaugurated at the SSA Ground in Shillong, where the opening fixture between Mawnianglah Youth Sports Association and Sei La Sap FCC marked the beginning of another competitive year in one of the state’s oldest football leagues.
Founded in 1916, the Shillong Sports Association has played a significant role in shaping Meghalaya’s football culture for more than a century and is currently affiliated with over 100 clubs across Greater Shillong. The association continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing local talent and providing competitive exposure to young footballers in the state.Addressing the gathering, officials highlighted the growing importance of structured leagues and tournaments in creating pathways for aspiring players. Stress was also laid on improving coaching systems, expanding opportunities at various competitive levels and strengthening football infrastructure in the region.
A proposal for the construction of a modern sitting gallery and allied infrastructure at the SSA Stadium along the Umkhrah riverfront was also placed before the government.
The Detailed Project Report for the project has already been prepared, with the association expressing hope that it would receive support as the SSA approaches 110 years of existence.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who formally declared the season open and hoisted the SSA flag, reiterated the government’s vision of turning Meghalaya, particularly Shillong, into the “football capital of India”.
He emphasised that alongside infrastructure development, greater investment must also be made in players, coaches, leagues and grassroots competitions to help young footballers realise their potential.
The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of ₹32 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the successful conduct of the 2026 football season.
