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NorthEast United FC launches Residential Centre of Excellence in Shillong

NorthEast United FC launches Residential Centre of Excellence in Shillong (Image courtesy: NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) has established its own residential youth academy. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) will operate out of Shillong as NEUFC seeks to spread its footprint across the North-East. In its continued efforts to develop football across the eight states, the residential academy will play a prominent role by acting as the hub for developing young footballers from the region and for providing a direct pathway to the top league in India.

The Club will work towards providing the players at the CoE with a high level of training, education and competition throughout the year. Partnering with NEUFC on this project will be Shillong United Football Club (formerly known as Royal Wahingdoh F.C). NEUFC will also work closely with Shillong United to provide the graduates with the opportunities to enhance their skills in the Shillong State League and other competitions. This will be shaped in the form of three Youth Teams in the U-13, U-15 and U-18 categories and is the first and most significant step in building NEUFC’s presence throughout the region.

“When I bid for the team three years ago, the first thing I wanted to do was start a residential academy, where young talent from across the eight states could get a direct pathway to our first team. Players from the North-East play the best football in India. I want all the top players to play at home, for NEUFC. Our CoE is a validation of our commitment and earnest efforts in providing every child a place to train for the NEUFC first team. We have found a great partner in Domnic and Shillong United and we share our passion and love for football in the northeast. His partnership is invaluable to our CoE”, said John Abraham, owner of NEUFC.

“We are delighted to have joined hands with NEUFC on this developmental project. This strategic partnership with NEUFC ensures a well defined and competitive pathway for the fantastic talent pool of the North-East to be showcased on the biggest footballing stage in India. We are thankful to John Abraham and the NEUFC team for being such strong believers in the football potential of the North-East and are certain that in the time to come, the fruits of this partnership will be realized. Like us, NEUFC are ardent believers of youth development, and our partnership creates synergies that will hugely benefit the footballing environment in Shillong and other parts of the North-East”, stated Domnic Tariang, owner of Shillong United and Partner-Youth Development.

NEUFC’s focus this year will be to create a network of homegrown talent across the eight states. The Club will reach out to each state this year to create a ground presence and provide a touch point to the Club depending on the football ecosystem in each state.

(NorthEast United FC)