Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Monday continued its Valley-wide football talent identification drive under the Kashmir Champions Football League (KCFL), with trials held in Kupwara and Baramulla while open selection trials conducted by NorthEast United FC drew a massive response in Srinagar.
The KCFL initiative is aimed at creating a structured pathway for young footballers from grassroots-level participation to professional football opportunities.
At Kupwara, trials were conducted at Playground Kulangam where aspiring footballers from different parts of the district participated in large numbers.
Simultaneously, trials held at the Synthetic Turf Football Stadium, Azad Gunj, Baramulla witnessed enthusiastic participation from local youth.
The Baramulla event was attended by Javid Hassan Baig, who interacted with players and appreciated efforts being made to strengthen grassroots football and provide sporting opportunities to youth.
Meanwhile, Srinagar emerged as the focal point of football activity as NorthEast United FC conducted open selection trials in collaboration with the Sports Council at the TRC Synthetic Turf Ground.
Officials said this was the first time an Indian Super League club organised open football selection trials in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was attended by Naushad Moosa, who is also Head Coach of the India U-23 National Football Team.
According to officials, the KCFL is envisioned as a long-term developmental platform aimed at nurturing football talent, promoting youth engagement and strengthening grassroots football culture across Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative also forms part of the government’s broader youth outreach and anti-drug awareness efforts through sports-based engagement.
The next phase of football trials under KCFL is scheduled to be held on May 19 in Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama as the talent hunt expands across South Kashmir.
