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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
The president of the NFA, Neibou Sekhose, and the vice
president of the KDFA, Neidilhoutuo Sechü, led the children in the
pledge-taking.
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.
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.
MDFA officials, Eden Academy students, and faculty during
the AFC Grassroots Football Day event in Mokokchung on Saturday. (EM Images)
Exhibition matches held in Mokokchung
The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), in
collaboration with Eden Academy, celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day in
Mokokchung on Saturday.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
