First football school in Kashmir aims big

For the first time in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, a football school has been established to groom the future footballers of the state. Every Friday and Sunday, young boys and girls aged between 8 to 16 sweat it out to make it big.

With an eye on future, the Jammu and Kashmir football association launched this school at the world-class Astroturf football field at TRC ground in the summer capital, Srinagar.

These footballers are given all the modern facilities to help them achieve their dreams. Currently, around 300 boys and girls have enrolled themselves for the training. 

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Marred by the conflict, academies like these never existed but this academy is bringing out a bright future for the young kids.

"We have all the facilities here, we were given uniform and coaches also teach us well. They also give attention to each one of us," says Akeel Hussain, a budding footballer from Srinagar. 

There is also a young batch of girls who aim to make the woman football team of the state. Hailing from the different part of the valley, they are being taught from the grass root level. 

They are being trained by the professional footballers of the state headed by the footballer and national player Mehrajuddin Wadoo. 

"We come here regularly and practice every day. We have improved our footballing skills. We want to defeat other states in any football match," says Samreen, a 16-year-old footballer, adding that the training and practice are very professional. 

Many footballers from the state have represented India in the past at national and international level. Surprisingly, football remained the most popular sport when the valley was going through the tough time in the 90's.

Players like Abdul Majeed Kakroo, Mehrajudin Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmad have played for the Indian football team in the past.

Mehrajudin started playing football from a very early age. He was motivated by his father Mohd Sultan Wadoo, who had represented J&K in Santosh Trophy to pursue football. He shot to fame after he played for the top Indian clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Wadoo currently plays for Mumbai City FC.

"We have a lot of talent and we are encouraging it. We lacked a platform in the past now this platform will help players in playing for national and state football teams," says Wadoo. 

This football academy will now run throughout the year, thanks to this world-class Astroturf. The frequent shutdowns and curfew sometimes create hurdles for the kids but they are determined to play their game.

From the last 5 years, football has come back to life after the successive governments gave special attention to it. Now there seems to be no end to the passion of these young and budding footballers.