10 Friday 2023 | NEUFC Media Team

The trophy for the highly anticipated Guwahati Sports Association (GSA) Youth & Kids League in association with NorthEast United FC was unveiled at the Gauhati Town Club on 9th November. Last month, the partnership was officially announced with the goal of nurturing young talents in the region. NorthEast United FC, which features in the Indian Super League - the top division of Indian Football, are sharing their technical expertise with the GSA, which is hosting the tournament with their infrastructure and logistical support. This will see the aspiring footballers of the region feature in over 350 matches across the six age groups. NorthEast United FC are taking part in the tournament across all six age groups, thereby giving an opportunity to all the kids selected following the trials that were held last month. Present at the trophy-unveiling event alongside eminent dignitaries, including GSA General Secretary Devajit Saikia, were NEUFC Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali and Assistant Coach & Head of Youth Development Naushad Moosa. Quotes from the dignitaries: Shri. Devajit Saikia, GSA General Secretary: "The tournament will see over 1200 aspiring footballers featuring for 124 teams in age groups ranging from Under-7 to Under-17, with the tournament set to begin on November 11, 2023. This tournament will help identify the next Chhetri from our own state and create a roadmap for the future." Juan Pedro Benali, Head Coach, NorthEast United FC: "NEUFC with the GSA is doing a great job taking an initiative to start something now. We are working from today with the youth of Guwahati and Assam. I am proud to say that we are part of this tournament to find the future football stars of the region. This tournament gives all the talented players a platform to be spotted easily by various teams around the country." Naushad Moosa, NEUFC Assistant Coach and Head of Youth Development: "I’d like to thank the GSA for giving the kids such a great platform. This will not only help us to educate the coaches at various levels but also the parents and everyone interested in football. This is the right way to develop the game in the state and the country."