“A nine-year-old should be taught the basics; a twelve-year-old should focus on passing and dribbling; and a fifteen-year-old should learn the practicality of football,” said Vesupra Kezo, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mokokchung, emphasizing the need for stage-wise development in young athletes.
He was addressing young footballers and their parents at the launch of a five-day Grassroot Football Coaching Clinic organized by the 35+ Mokokchung Football League (MFL) at Mojabi Futsal Turf, Salangtem Ward on Monday.
Led by Nagaland Coach Brando Kamson and his team from Barack FC—the reigning champions of the Nagaland Super League 2025—the clinic aims to equip young football enthusiasts with technical training and footballing discipline from the ground up.
A total of 125 children, including 9 girls, aged between 9 to 14 years, have registered for the programme.
In his keynote remarks, SSP Kezo underscored the role of such initiatives in shaping future champions.
“Champions are not made in a day; they are built from grassroots efforts like this. Parents and children must be patient and committed,” he added.
The clinic is also supported by local footballers Shiponglepba, Rongsennungba, and Tiatoshi from the 35+ MFL, who are volunteering to mentor the young participants.
Dr. Lanu Walling, part of the management team of both the 36+ MFL and the clinic committee, described the initiative as a vision-driven effort. “This is more than a training camp—it’s about creating a future. The children are learning from the best, and they’re doing it in a safe, structured environment,” he said.
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Building on the momentum, the 35+ MFL has announced plans to introduce a follow-up competitive platform called the Vision League. The league will offer clinic participants the opportunity to showcase their skills in a more formal setting, thereby bridging the gap between training and competition.
Established under the theme “Fellowship, Football, and Fitness,” the 35+ MFL has grown steadily over the past four years, and with this new initiative, the league is expanding its impact to the next generation.
