The Nagaland Football Association (NFA), under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), joined the rest of Asia in celebrating AFC Grassroots Football Day 2025 with the theme “Football for the Goals” at IG Stadium, Kohima, on Friday, May 23. The event was held in collaboration with the Kohima District Football Association.
In line with the AIFF’s focus on climate change and sustainable development, the NFA launched two key initiatives: “Say NO to Single-use Plastic” and “Our Football Ground, Our Responsibility”. These pledges were taken by all participants and are set to be implemented across the state by district football associations and the broader football community.
Around 60 children took part in the celebration, which was chaired by NFA Joint Secretary Chenonlo Woch. He spoke to the young participants about the theme and purpose of the event, highlighting football’s potential to promote positive change. He also emphasized the importance of child safeguarding and urged the children to become ambassadors of both environmental and ethical practices in football.
NFA President Neibou Sekhose and KDFA Vice President Neidilhoutuo Sechü led the pledge-taking ceremony, reaffirming the association’s commitment to purposeful grassroots football.
To mark the occasion, NFA Treasurer and AFC ‘B’ Licence Coach Roko Angami conducted two special training sessions for the young footballers, further engaging them in the spirit of grassroots development.
The NFA extended its sincere appreciation to its participating member DFAs—Zunheboto, Peren, Mokokchung, and Wokha—as well as to the Morning Football League under the Morning Football Association Kohima. Their active participation in organizing parallel events across districts contributed meaningfully to the promotion of grassroots football with a focus on sustainability and community responsibility.