Medziphema Football Academy officially inaugurated

The Medziphema Football Academy was officially inaugurated today at the Local Ground in Medziphema Town. The special guest for the occasion, Viphrülie Krose, PA to Advisor Zhaleo Rio, MLA, formally inaugurated the academy and lauded the founders for their commendable initiative in promoting grassroots football development.

In his address, Krose congratulated the founding members of the academy for their new venture and expressed hope that the initiative would provide a much-needed platform for budding footballers to grow and hone their skills. He encouraged young players to maintain discipline and dedication to achieve excellence in the sport.

Emphasizing the importance of grassroots coaching, Krose also expressed happiness that 14 players from the Medziphema area were part of various teams in the recently concluded Nagaland Super League. He hoped the new academy would nurture even more talent from the region in the years to come.

Sunup Ao, Joint Secretary of the Nagaland Football Association, also extended his congratulations and encouraged the academy to contribute not only to the development of football in Medziphema but across Nagaland.

Chümoukedima District Football Association (CDFA) President Vitouto Kuotsu congratulated the team behind the academy and wished them success in their future endeavors. He urged the academy to remain committed to producing high-quality players.

Ropfüvisie Chüzho, proprietor of Alpha Iron Gym, also spoke at the event and offered free gym training to all academy students as part of his support for the initiative.

Speaking at the event, AFC C coach Neithovilie Chalieu stated that while the academy will motivate players to take up football seriously, they will also assess individual readiness, especially the physical demands required at professional levels, before pushing players toward higher competition.

The academy, according to the club, has already registered around 60 aspiring footballers. Regular sessions are set to begin on Wednesday at the Medziphema Local Ground.

The Medziphema Football Academy was founded by four individuals with strong backgrounds in football and sports education: Neithovilie Chalieu, former Shillong Lajong I-League player and assistant coach at Red Scars. Khriese Terhüja, a prominent player with a degree in Physical Education and a D-License coach. Neichülie Nagi, youth leader and veteran footballer. Thangboi Thomsong, in charge of academy administration.

They aim to provide structured grassroots training and create pathways for young talents to reach professional leagues like the I-League and ISL. Recognizing Medziphema’s legacy as “Little Brazil,” the academy seeks to build on its rich football culture.

MT