Grassroots Football Day observed in Nagaland

Students of Eden Academy showcase their skills during the AFC Grassroots Football Day celebration in Mokokchung on Saturday. (EM Images)

• DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG — The Nagaland Football Association (NFA), under the umbrella of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), joined the rest of Asia and other countries under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in celebrating AFC’s Grassroots Football Day 2025 on Saturday.
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• The event, themed "Football for the goals," was held at IG Stadium, Kohima, on May 23. According to an update, the NFA was joined by officials of the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) in the celebration.
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• In celebrating the event and recognising the AIFF's focus on football’s role in climate change and sustainable development, the NFA undertook the initiatives "Say no to single-use plastic" and "Our football ground, our responsibility".

Also read: Wokha, Zunheboto observe Grassroots Football Day

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• These were pledged by all participating members and will be taken forward by its member district football associations (DFAs) and the football community of Nagaland to promote a purpose-driven approach in football, it said.
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• The event saw the participation of over 60 children and was chaired by the NFA joint secretary, Chenonlo Woch, who educated the children on the purpose and theme of the celebration, focusing on sustainable development and the role of footballers and football supporters in promoting it.
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• He also spoke on child safeguarding and the safety of children in football, which was another focus of this year’s event, and encouraged them to be champions and ambassadors of the two pledges initiated by the NFA.
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• The president of the NFA, Neibou Sekhose, and the vice president of the KDFA, Neidilhoutuo Sechü, led the children in the pledge-taking.
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• The NFA treasurer and AFC B license coach, Roko Angami, led the young footballers in two special training sessions to mark the Grassroots Football Day celebration at IG Stadium.
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• The NFA also expressed appreciation to four of its participating member DFAs—Zunheboto DFA, Peren DFA, Mokokchung DFA, and Wokha DFA—and the Morning Football League under the Morning Football Association Kohima for their support and participation in organising the event in their respective districts and for advancing the initiative and responsibility to promote grassroots football with a purpose.
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  MDFA officials, Eden Academy students, and faculty during the AFC Grassroots Football Day event in Mokokchung on Saturday. (EM Images)

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• Exhibition matches held in Mokokchung
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• The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), in collaboration with Eden Academy, celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day in Mokokchung on Saturday.
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• The event, aligned with NFA directives, featured two exhibition matches involving players aged six to 12. The first match pitted Class 2 against Class 3 students, while the second showcased Class 7 against Class 8 players.
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• MDFA president Akok Lkr, addressing the gathering on the occasion, said that MDFA is committed to nurturing football talent from an early age, in line with its ambitious project, “Football at the Grassroots”.
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• He noted that Grassroots Football Day is observed across Asia and India, with every Nagaland district participating under NFA guidance. He added that Mokokchung is fortunate to be part of this collective effort, emphasising the foundational role of grassroots initiatives in sports and education.
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• Akok encouraged the young players to develop their football skills from an early age and assured them of MDFA’s support, stating that the office is always open to assist budding talents.
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• I Temsu Jamir, administrator of Eden Academy, expressed gratitude to MDFA for hosting the event at the school. He emphasised the school’s focus on the all-round development of students and the importance of sports like football for their health and enjoyment. Jamir also noted that such initiatives will encourage other schools to promote football among young children.