NEUFC scouting trials underway in Kohima

The NEUFC team, along with organisers and young football players, registered for the club's scouting trials on Thursday at IG Stadium, Kohima. (EM images)

• KOHIMA — The North East United Football Club (NEUFC) commenced its two-day scouting trials in Kohima at Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium on Thursday.
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• Themed "Unearthing the next highlanders," NEUFC has been holding scouting trials across the northeastern states, including Nagaland, in April and May.
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• The Nagaland trials are being held in Dimapur and Kohima from May 7 to the 9th in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association.
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• At the IG Stadium in Kohima on the first day, over 100 aspiring footballers took part in the trials organised by the Kohima District Football Association.

Also read: Kohima prepares for Dr. T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament

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• NEUFC is scouting for fresh talent in two categories: the Under-17 team, which includes players born between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, and the Reserve Team, which includes those born between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2008.
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• NEUFC coach Jeevan Jayaraj said approximately 80 players across both categories had turned up on the first day of the trials. The club is looking for young football talent and potential, and there is no fixed number of selections, as the focus remains on quality, the coach added.
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• Nearly 200 players had registered for the Kohima leg of the trials.
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• The coach further informed that 10 to 15 players from each category would be shortlisted for the next round, which is scheduled to be held in Guwahati later this month. The final trial phase would last between four and six days, after which the selections would be officially announced.
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• Jayaraj shared that NEUFC would provide comprehensive support to those who would make it to the final selections, including schooling, accommodation, food, and a stipend. He noted that the club even arranged tutors for the players' education and that Reserve Team players receive a higher stipend.
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• The duration of contracts for selected players would vary depending on individual talent and potential.
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• The NEUFC had already covered five northeastern states in its ongoing scouting trails and would cover the rest in the coming days.