Shillong, July 22: Meghalaya has an excellent tradition in Sports in which Football plays an important role. Football has been and will be the dream of many youth in Meghalaya. Being responsive to the aspirations of the youth of the state, the Government of Meghalaya has embarked on Mission Football which will be launched by Dr Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya in a colourful event featuring a unique football match between the Top North East India XI and the Top Rest of India XI at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium today. Shri Zenith M Sangma, Minister for the Department of Sports, Government of Meghalaya also present on the occasion.
Mission Football is a dedicated programme for developing a sustainable Football infrastructure and engaging in a broad-based talent hunt in all the 11 districts of Meghalaya. Government intends to spend Rs 560 core in the next 5 years for development of Football in Meghalaya.
The vision is to develop approximately 1400 playgrounds in all the 11 districts of the state. Mini stadiums will be developed at the sub district level with an investment of a approximately Rs 1.5 Crore per stadium. A total of 8 grounds will be developed. This is in addition to the development of full fledged foot ball stadiums in 7 districts with an investment of Rs.5 Crores per stadium in Meghalaya.
The Government will established 10 grassroot centers shall be built in each of the 11 districts of the state taking the total number of such centers to 110. Each center shall take charge of at least 60 children. Two Coaches will be provided at each of these 110 grass-root centers.
The Coaches along with Referees will be trained in collaboration with Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and others with an aim to develop 1500+ coaches and 300+ referees in the state. Upgradation of existing football infrastructure to full fledged football stadiums and development of two state of the art football stadiums at the state level that will be able to host international football matches.
Football entertainment parks that will cater to multiple sports as well as arenas for festivals, concerts etc. will be set up at strategic locations. The state Government will further support the clubs and associations that show an interest in the development of football stars of tomorrow. Financial assistance for the development of these academies will be encouraged to set up Football Academies in which Govt of Meghalaya will bear 30% of the total cost or Rs 75 lakhs to a maximum.
Intra center tournaments for the under 12 grass roots centers will be conducted at the state and district level for two age groups under 14 and under 17 for both boys and girls. These tournaments will help identify talent that can be further nurtured into football skills that will help make a footballer of the child. The Meghalaya state league will be conducted at the state level for all football clubs. Government of Meghalaya hopes that once accomplished, Mission Football will present many – many of football talents not only to Meghalaya, but to the country and the world as a whole.
