Lokendra Football Academy Represents Sikkim in Shillong International Tournament
The Lokendra Football Academy (LFA), based in Gyalshing, Sikkim, is all set to participate in the Shillong International Youth Football Tournament from January 12 to 17. This tournament, held at Naugram Football Ground, Shillong, presents a significant opportunity for the academy team to showcase their skills and compete against regional peers.
Grassroots Development and Rural Talent
Established in 2019, LFA has been dedicated to nurturing grassroots football, particularly among children from rural and remote areas of West Sikkim. The academy's participation in the Shillong event underscores their commitment to providing opportunities for talent discovery and development.
Soreng District football coach from the State Sports Department, Michael Lepcha, emphasized the importance of such platforms for village players, stating, "This tournament will be very beneficial for the players in terms of exposure."
A Dream Realized and a Bright Future
LFA owner Lokendra Gurung shared the story behind the academy's inception, stating, "As a player, I could not contribute much, though I was associated with Namchi Sports Academy. Coach Michael Lepcha was my senior, and while he joined the Sports Department, I decided to work independently and started this academy in 2019."
Gurung further highlighted the academy's focus on grassroots development and the support received from Sikkim's Chief Minister. He expressed hope that the Shillong tournament would provide valuable exposure for the players and help them advance their careers.
Preparing for the Big Stage
Coach Michael Lepcha outlined the phased preparations for the tournament, including a one-month winter residential camp, which helped select 18 disciplined and talented players from among 104 participants.
Lepcha also highlighted the determination and sincerity displayed by village players, expressing confidence in their performance at the Shillong tournament. He also discussed the progress of football activities in Sikkim, particularly at the school level, and the ongoing winter camp supported by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department.
Football in North East India and Beyond
In the broader context, the success of LFA and similar academies in Sikkim underscores the potential for grassroots football development in North East India. Government initiatives, like those in Sikkim that produced national-level players such as Sanju Pradhan and Robin Gurung, play a crucial role in this development. However, exposure remains a key requirement for young players, and private academies like LFA are increasingly filling this gap.
As LFA embarks on this new journey to Shillong, their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers in Sikkim and across the North East. The academy's participation in the tournament represents not just a step forward for LFA but also a significant stride in the development of grassroots football in Sikkim and beyond.