NEUFC and APFA sign MoU to develop football

Online Staff/ GUWAHATI, Nov 25: NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) have entered a historic collaboration through a five-season Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting football development in Arunachal Pradesh.
The agreement was formalized on on Monday in Itanagar, with notable figures like Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu—who also serves as the APFA President—and John Abraham, NEUFC's owner, leading the initiative.
Pema Khandu described the partnership as a transformative step for football in Arunachal Pradesh. "This collaboration with NorthEast United FC marks a pivotal moment for the APFA. It will greatly enhance football in the region, and NorthEast United FC is the perfect partner for this journey. We're excited about the promising future of football in our state," he said.
John Abraham echoed this optimism, emphasizing NEUFC's commitment to the Northeast region. "At NorthEast United FC, we believe in unity and strength. Partnering with APFA is a landmark moment in the club's history and aligns with our vision of uplifting football in the Northeast. We're proud to contribute to this shared goal."
Arunachal Pradesh Football Association is setting up two residential academies — Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia and Namsai — and NorthEast United FC will provide technical support in setting up the academies.
The key aspects of the agreement are Scouting & Player Detection, Day Boarding Academies, Residential Academy, Competitions and Coach Education. For scouting and player detection, the club will share scouting methodology and structure and the club’s Head of Youth Development will be stationed at the venue during the scouting process.
In terms of day boarding academies, the club will design the coaching curriculum & training model for various phases — Foundation (U-7, U-9, U-11) and Intermediate (U-13, U-15) and timely execution of the same.
The club had collaborated with the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association to host the Baby League (U-7 & U-9). The league will be expanded to other age groups (U-11 to U-15) and called the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Premier League.
Other dignitaries at the event included Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Kipa Ajay, Treasurer of the All India Football Federation (AIFF); and Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC.