Young participants at the Grassroots Football Day 2025 organized by the Nagaland Football Association on May 23 at IG Stadium, Kohima.
KOHIMA, MAY 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Football Association (NFA), under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), joined countries across Asia in celebrating AFC Grassroots Football Day 2025 on Friday at IG Stadium, Kohima.
Held under the theme “Football for the Goals,” the event highlighted football’s role in sustainable development, in line with the AIFF’s focus on climate change awareness and community responsibility.
Officials from the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) also took part in the celebration, which saw the participation of over 60 children. As part of the programme, the NFA launched two key initiatives—“Say No to Single-Use Plastic” and “Our Football Ground, Our Responsibility”—with pledges taken by all participants to uphold the values of sustainability and ownership within the football community.
NFA joint secretary Chenonlo Woch, who chaired the event, spoke to the young participants on the theme of the day, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and child safeguarding in football. He urged the children to become ambassadors of the two pledges.
NFA president Neibou Sekhose and KDFA vice-president Neidilhoutuo Sechü led the pledge-taking ceremony, while NFA treasurer and AFC B Licence coach Roko Angami conducted two special training sessions for the young players.
The NFA also extended its appreciation to four member district football associations—Zunheboto DFA, Peren DFA, Mokokchung DFA, and Wokha DFA—as well as the Morning Football League under the Morning Football Association, Kohima, for organizing parallel events in their respective districts and promoting grassroots football in the state.
