Srinagar, May 18: Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council continued its Valley-wide football talent identification drive under the Kashmir Champions Football League (KCFL) with successful trials conducted in Kupwara and Baramulla, while the NorthEast United FC open selection trials, in collaboration with J&K Sports Council generated massive excitement at the TRC Synthetic Turf Ground, Srinagar.
The KCFL initiative, emerging as one of the largest grassroots football movements ever undertaken in Jammu & Kashmir, aims to create a structured pathway for young footballers from local grounds to competitive professional football.
At Kupwara, football trials were conducted at Playground Kulangam, where aspiring players from different parts of the district turned up in large numbers to showcase their talent before selectors.
Simultaneously, the trials at the Synthetic Turf Football Stadium, Azad Gunj, Baramulla witnessed tremendous enthusiasm and participation from local youth. The event was graced by MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig, who interacted with players and appreciated the efforts being made to strengthen grassroots football and provide sporting opportunities to the youth of the region.
Meanwhile, Srinagar remained the focal point of football activity as NorthEast United FC, conducted open selection trials in collaboration with the Sports Council, the first time an Indian Super League club has organised such trials in Jammu & Kashmir.
Present during the Srinagar event was Naushad Moosa, Technical Director of NorthEast United FC and Head Coach of the India U-23 National Football Team, whose presence added major national significance to the initiative.
The KCFL is not merely a tournament but a long-term developmental platform designed to nurture talent, promote youth engagement, and strengthen grassroots football culture across Jammu & Kashmir. The initiative also forms part of the Government’s larger youth outreach and anti-drug awareness efforts through sports-based engagement.
The next phase of football trials under the KCFL is scheduled for May 19 in Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama, as the Valley-wide talent hunt continues to expand across South Kashmir.