India Khelo Football Launches 3-Year Initiative to Uplift Football Talent Across Northeast India.

India Khelo Football (IKF), one of India’s largest grassroots football movements, has launched a focused 3-year initiative across all 7 Northeastern states aimed at building a structured football ecosystem and career development pathways for youth aged 11 to 17.

The initiative will cover Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, and seeks to unlock the region’s immense football potential—long celebrated yet often underserved by national systems.

Beyond Trials: A Model That Works for Every Child

IKF has already scouted over 25,000 players through its nationwide open trials. While an average of 25–40 players annually secure invitation in ISL and I-League club academies, the organization is now expanding its scope beyond talent identification to ensure every passionate player has a future in the game.

“Talent is not the problem. Structure is,” said Phani Bhushan, Founder of IKF and an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur. “It’s time we build a system—not just to reward the best—but to support every child who shows up with a dream.”

Highlights of the Northeast Initiative

• Free Open Trials across major towns and remote districts in all 7 states
• IKF Career 360 program to provide career roadmaps, mentorship, academic support, and pathways beyond playing—like coaching, sports analytics,  physiotherapy and many more.
• Development of local scouting and coaching capacity with certification programs
• Special focus on girls’ football and inclusive participation
• A strong emphasis on creating a safety net for players who don’t turn professional

This approach is designed to align with government priorities like the Khelo India Northeast Games, Skill India, and ASMITA, while also leveraging public infrastructure and promoting local employment through sports.

Open Call for Partnerships

IKF is inviting state governments, educational institutions, corporates, and football enthusiasts to collaborate on this initiative through infrastructure support, CSR partnerships, and talent mentoring.

“The Northeast doesn’t need sympathy—it needs a system. And maybe, football is how we build it,” Bhushan added.

The program aims to create a replicable model for grassroots sports development—merging dreams with direction and passion with purpose.

About India Khelo Football (IKF)

India Khelo Football is a not-for-profit initiative connecting grassroots footballers to professional opportunities through structured trials, mentorship, and career guidance. IKF has conducted trials in over 100+ cities and partnered with clubs in the ISL, I-League, and international scouting networks.

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