President, All India Football Federation (AIFF) Kalyan Chaubey formally launched FIFA Football for Schools at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on 4th December 2022.
Chaubey said that the programme is being organized solely for the children, who are the future of the state. He said that he was in Nagaland to support children to become football players, to let them dream to play football at the highest level. Chaubey acknowledged the state of Nagaland for producing a legend in the likes of Dr. T. AO and making the state proud by leading Indian Football and said that Nagas have the talent to follow his footsteps to become great football players and bring laurels and pride to the state. Chaubey also said that he sees a ray of hope and a bright future for the children since they already have inbuilt talent and only need to upskill themselves for their future if the FIFA Football for Schools is meticulously managed and continues with proper strategy. He said that he will come back to Nagaland to ensure the success of the project in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland through Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and assured that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) will provide all possible support to the state through NFA and see that every child, boys, and girls get proper Scientific Technical Football Training.
Earlier Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Er. Zale Neikha while greeting the officials said that FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) was an ambitious programme aiming to contribute to the field of education, development, and empowerment of millions of children. The Advisor also said that the project seeks to make football more accessible by incorporating football activities into the education system with valuable life skills and knowledge. Zale urged the schools to be more effective and efficient since it holds the key to the child's future. The Advisor further said that sports need to be nurtured at ground level (at the school) to become a good sportsperson and request the school authorities to allow the flow of education along with extracurricular activities which go hand in hand with providing better experience and performance.
The programme was chaired by AIFF Executive Committee Members and President, Nagaland Football Association K. Neibou Sekhose, and Secretary, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Wezope Kenye gave the welcome address, while Director of School Education, Wonthungo Tsopoe pronounced the vote of thanks. The exhibition match was played between Gethemgo Sports International and New Market Sports Academy.
(Khekiye, IA Kohima)
