By Aizawl FC Media

AIZAWL: In an unprecedented first of its kind tie-up in India, a partnership has been achieved towards “Grassroots football promotion in Mizoram” between Tata Trusts, SarvaShikshaAbhiyan (SSA) and Aizawl Football Club.

The project will involve football training to 3000 tribal children in the age group of 6-14 years. While children would naturally be attracted to football and be taught the basics of football with a view to unearth talents, attendance and performance at the school level will also be emphasized.

With funding from the Tata Trusts, the North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) will be the nodal agency of the project, SSA will select schools to form the sixty non-residential football academies spread across 6 districts of Mizoram and run the academies. The football training module will be designed under the Technical support and guidance provided by Aizawl Football Club. Talented footballers would be inducted to Aizawl FC academies and the likes, thereby accelerating their progress into future professional footballers who would not only win accolades for the state but also it is envisioned for the nation as well. The first three-year cycle will kick-off sometime in February, 2016.

Speaking on this occasion Club President Mr. Robert Royte expressed,“Aizawl Football club has a very strong youth development setup across Mizoram and the present club team which will participate in the elite I-League organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) comprises of Mizo players who are a product of this youth development system”. He also expressed his views that the project will be a model for other states and clubs to follow in near future. Mr Jahar Das, Head of Youth Development of the club also said that he was very excited about this unique project.

Mr Benny George, Asst Development Manager of Tata Trusts, Mr Lalhmachhuana, State Project Director (SPD) and Mr Zaithankima Miller Deputy SPD representing SSA were very enthusiastic about this unique partnership which would bring about all round development of both boys and girls in the state.