Youngest trainees at the Thuwu Football Academy on May 7. (Morung Photo)
Thuwu Football Academy to provide home for local talents
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | May 7
Come evening, the playground in the Unity Village is filled with youngsters, most of them playing football in groups. But with limited access to proper training and coaching facilities, the gathering has remained just another evening ritual.
Recognizing this need, a new football academy is taking shape in Unity Village, 5th Mile under Chümoukedima district with an aim to provide a platform for aspiring young footballers in the locality.
Thuwu Football Academy officially opened on May 7 for U-14 and U-21 players, setting the stage for local talent development.
The academy aims to provide a platform for local youth to perfect their skills, foster their love for the game, and pursue their dreams of becoming future footballers.With a focus on holistic player growth and development, the academy offers a range of specialized training programs designed for skill development, fitness, and match tactics. It also aims to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership amongst young players.
Thuwu, which translates to growth in the Sümi dialect, was chosen as the name for the academy as it reflects the focus of the founders on the growth of the young players.
At the helm of Thuwu is a dedicated duo- Aito Kiba and Bokito Shohe, whose passion for the sport and commitment to nurturing talent, led to the idea of opening a football academy in the locality.
According to Aito, the children and youth in the locality are keen footballers, and the academy plans to help them hone their skills and pursue potential. “It is a humble start, but one with deep passion and dedication towards helping young players have access to training and proper coaching,” Aito said while speaking to The Morung Express on May 7.
The coaching staff comprising Bokito Shohe and Akavi Shohe, boasts a wealth of knowledge and expertise, drawing from years of experience in both competitive play and training.
With four years of coaching experience, head coach Bokito has coached U-16 teams like Team Unity FC, HASSA and was also named Best Coach during the Western Sumi Sports Association (WSSA) 2023.He is also a certified AIFF D-license holder and has completed training course in grassroot level football coaching. At present, he is undergoing the Asian Football Confederation C Diploma coaching course in Kohima.
Coach Akavi is also an AIFF D-license holder andhead coach at United Gorkha FC. He was a football coach of the Dimapur district football team and a football coach at Livingstone Foundation International for 15 years.
As Thuwu kicks off its inaugural season, the academy has announced free admissions for interested individuals. The academy’s training programmes will be held five days a week, which includes morning and evening sessions. Hostel facility is not available at present, but depending on the response and registration, provisions will be made, if needed, Aito informed.
As of May 7, a total of 30 players have registered at the Thuwu Football Academy which promises to offer not just a training ground, but also a home for local talent.
