By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 11: In a landmark initiative blending professional football with grassroots development, the Meghalaya government has inked a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Northeast United Football Club (NEUFC) to strengthen the State’s footballing ecosystem from 2025 to 2028.
The agreement, signed between the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, the Department of Tourism, and NEUFC, marks a significant step in Meghalaya’s ambition to emerge as the football capital of India.
The partnership is designed to deepen the football culture, nurture emerging talent, and inspire youth participation through structured development programmes and community-driven initiatives.
Under the arrangement, Shillong will once again play host to top-tier ISL action, with NEUFC scheduling four home matches this season, six in 2026, and eight in 2027. The return of high-profile football to the State capital is expected to reignite fan enthusiasm and offer a platform for local players to interact with and learn from national and international professionals.
Beyond the ISL fixtures, the collaboration will extend to a range of football development initiatives — from coaching and refereeing workshops to grassroots training camps, fan engagement zones, and awareness drives in schools and colleges.
The objective, officials said, is to create a sustained football ecosystem that promotes discipline, teamwork, and professional opportunities for the youth.
To facilitate this vision, the Department of Tourism will contribute ₹5 crore annually to the project, while the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs will allocate ₹2 crore, ₹3 crore, and ₹4 crore, respectively, over the three-year period.
NEUFC players, along with the club’s co-owner John Abraham, will also participate in outreach programmes and promotional campaigns aimed at inspiring the next generation of Meghalaya footballers.
The MoU was formally signed by B.L. Pakyntien, Director of Tourism; P.B. War Nongbri, Assistant Director of Sports & Youth Affairs; and Rohit Thorat, representing NEUFC.
Officials further stated that this strategic partnership not only underscores Meghalaya’s growing prominence in Indian football but also enhances its potential as a sports tourism destination. With Shillong’s picturesque setting and passion for the game, the collaboration aims to attract visitors and position the State as a vibrant hub for both football and travel in the Northeast.
