Parents question U-14 football trial selection process, seek transparency from Sports Council

Srinagar, Sep 8: Parents of young footballers participating in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Under-14 Sub-Junior Boys selection trials at the Synthetic Turf Football Stadium, TRC Srinagar, have raised concerns over the selection process, alleging that some players who were not part of the earlier shortlisted list were allowed to participate in the UT-level trials.

The two-day trials, which began on Monday and conclude on Tuesday, are being held to select the Jammu and Kashmir Sub-Junior Boys Football Team for the AIFF National Football Championships 2026-27.

The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council had conducted divisional-level trials from September 1 to 3. As per the selection process announced by the Council, players shortlisted during the divisional trials were to participate in the UT-level selection trials at TRC Srinagar. A total of 52 players from the Kashmir Division were shortlisted for the next stage.

However, parents present at the venue alleged that some players who had either not participated in the earlier divisional trials or were not included in the shortlisted list were also allowed to appear in the ongoing selection process.

“The trials should be conducted fairly and strictly according to the notified procedure. If players who were not shortlisted are being allowed to participate at this stage, the Sports Council should clearly explain the criteria,” some parents said.

Another parent said the concern was not directed against the participation of any individual player but was related to ensuring equal opportunity and transparency in the selection process.

“We want every child to receive a fair opportunity. If a player was not part of the earlier trials, there should be a clear explanation regarding the basis on which that player has been permitted to participate in the final-stage trials,” the parent said.

The parents have urged the Sports Council to ensure transparency in the final selection process and disclose the criteria being followed by the selection committee.

According to the earlier notification, boys born between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were eligible to participate in the Sub-Junior Boys category. Candidates were also required to be residents of Jammu and Kashmir and produce the prescribed documents, including original birth certificates.

During the divisional-level trials, players were assessed on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical fitness, game awareness and performance under match conditions before shortlisted candidates advanced to the UT-level stage.

The parents have sought clarification from the Sports Council on whether additional players were permitted to participate in the concluding-stage trials and, if so, the criteria under which they were allowed to do so.