The Meghalaya Youth League, a new statewide football for U-14 and U-16 boys, was launched by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma here today.
The concept for the tournament came from the Meghalaya Football Association but is being funded by the state government.
Twenty teams in each age category from affiliated units of the MFA have been divided into four groups based in Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
MFA president Hamletson Dohling and general secretary Sunesh Syiem were among the dignitaries present on the occasion of the launch, which comes more than a week before the matches actually begin on 20 July.
“This is a game changing league that will have a huge impact on the overall football scene in the state, the region and also throughout the country,” Sangma said while elaborating on initiatives his government has taken in the field of sports, such as hosting regular editions of the Meghalaya Games, creation of infrastructure and introduction of cash awards and scholarships.
