7th Nov 2019 10:11:PM Editorials
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

APFA has done a commendable job by planning a football league for the state’s children. There is a phrase that is frequently used in sporting circles which is -‘Catch them young’. This effort can be called a practical application of this inarguable truth and although it should have been started much before, it’s better late than never.
Football is a great game and the most loved one in the world- it’s a fact which nobody should dare to challenge. In Arunachal, although its passion is great, not much noticeable had been done for its advancement that could propel the state to the frontline spots in national circuit. But the recent Women’s National Football had been an eye-opener. Thousands of spectators from eight to eighty, braving rains, religiously thronged venues to have a taste of the nuances of the game which was duly highlighted in national media also. This has also puzzled many who have the query that even when football is followed so passionately in Arunachal, why the state’s ranking at national level is not that distinguishable, even if being from the Northeast, which has collectively earned the reputation of being the  ‘Football factory of India’. It’s easy to arrive at an answer. Both basic minimum infrastructure and a visionary set of planning that are bare essentials necessary to groom a kid from primary to competitive levels is either altogether absent or grossly inadequate. But, scouting talents and polishing them all the way are the paths all countries follow, whether the established powerhouses or those struggling to improve FIFA rankings. Messi wouldn’t have been the Messi we adore today without the delicate scouting and watchful building processes at Barcelona FC coaching setup.
APFA has made the first step in right direction by structuring the format in layers of U-6, U-8, U-10 and U-12 years, all very vital age groups so far as the preparatory process of metamorphosing a lad into a complete footballer is concerned. It’s going to be a delicate task that would require great patience. Capable coaches, good playing arena(s) that would ensure lesser injuries and all allied facilities must be guaranteed. The motto should be in creating an atmosphere that would, on its own strength exert a mass appeal and herald a pan-Arunachal football culture. Once it kicks off, there shouldn’t be any looking back and after 5-10 years from now, Kolkata, where football is still a religion can hope to find Arunachalees donning the Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting & East Bengal jerseys and receiving hero worships.
It would be hailed if this beginning receives unbridled patronage not only from state government, but also from corporates. It’s an ‘investment’ that should be made without thinking twice. 


Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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