The Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, has announced the highly anticipated Nagaland Next Top Player Season 2, which will provide an unprecedented opportunity for young footballers (indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland) to embark on a journey toward professional international football. Organized in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association, Progressive Sports Consultants, and SC Nagaland/Thonburi United Thailand, this year’s edition offers a direct route to professional football opportunities.
The Department notified that the selection camp will officially commence at 2:00 PM on 12th May 2025, at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, Police Complex. Open trials will be held for all registered players, after which two players will be selected for a one-month training and trial program at Thonburi United, Thailand.
It stated that the trip expenses for the selected two players—including international flights and accommodation—will be sponsored as part of this initiative to elevate deserving talents to the global football stage.
The two finalists will undergo a month-and-a-half-long training under Progressive Sports Consultants at Chümoukedima, followed by a one-month professional training and tryout under the expert coaching setup of Thonburi United in July 2025. This program will determine their final signing with the club for the 2025–2026 season, offering them a gateway into international professional football.
This program follows the inspiring success of Meceivi Khieya, the Season 1 winner of Nagaland Next Top Player, who signed professionally with Thonburi United in Bangkok for a period of 8 months. His journey stands as a testament to the talent pool in Nagaland and the transformative power of this platform.
Registrations are now open and can be completed online via the Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports Instagram page (@youth_resources_and_sports) and the SC Nagaland x Thonburi United Instagram page (@scn.tu). All eligible players (indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland only) are encouraged to apply and make the most of this career-defining opportunity.