SHILLONG : As many as 340 young boys appeared for selection trials for the first induction into the newly established Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) Academy in Shillong on Friday.
The trials were open to boys born between 2013 and 2016, with participants put through a series of drills and assessments overseen by senior MFA officials and experienced youth coaches.
Following the trials, 70 boys were shortlisted to advance to the next stage of the selection process.
The MFA had announced last month its plan to launch a Shillong-based football academy as part of its continued commitment to strengthening grassroots football development in Meghalaya.
According to the association, the MFA Academy will focus on structured training programmes, long-term player development, and the creation of a clear pathway for young footballers in the state to progress through the state and national football ecosystem.
The initiative is expected to play a key role in nurturing football talent and enhancing the overall standard of the sport in Meghalaya.