Youth Development has always been Shillong Lajong FC’s mantra for success and keeping up with the tradition, the Club has signed 20 Under-19 boys on unprecedented four year professional contracts. This includes 15 boys who have graduated from the Shillong Lajong FC Academy and also five freshly signed players from the India Under-19 squad.

India Under-19 internationals Alen Deory (Midfielder; Assam), Vishal Kaith (Goalkeeper; Himachal Pradesh), Issac Vanmalsawma (Midfielder; Mizoram), Joseph Lalfakzuala (Midfielder; Mizoram) and Pritam Kumar Singh (Defender; Manipur) will be joining the 15 Lajong academy boys in forming the future Shillong Lajong FC side.

These signings were a part of a long-term vision plan by Lajong called ‘Goal 14’ started in 2010 to nurture young players and groom their abilities, so that they could represent the club and country at the highest level. Out of the 15 ‘Goal 14’ boys; Rupert Nongrum, Shaiborlang Kharpan, Zodingliana, Jacob and Nim Dorjee, have been regulars in the Indian Under-19 squad, taking the tally of Lajong players to have represented with the India Under-19 team to 10.

Shillong Lajong FC Managing Director Larsing M. Sawyan commented on this latest development and said, “We are delighted to have these five national players in our club as we aim to strengthen our youth system and produce future football stars for the country. This is good for the future of Lajong and our objective is to become champions of India by 2017 and hope the addition of these boys in the long term will be fruitful.”

The grassroots of the game are vastly important to the Club and hence Lajong has invested in the players of tomorrow. Lajong welcomes all the new junior boys to the “Home of The Reds” and wish them a wonderful season ahead.