When a budding football coaching centre in the outskirts of the city—Seit La Sap—turned one, a trainee stands out as he was recognised for his grit, determination and perseverance that is inspiring other learners younger than him.
Aiboklang Jyrwa, a 16-year-old of Marbaniang Umseiñiong under Mylliem C&RD Block, chose to take the long path to chalk out his future soon as he was invited to join the Bhaichung Bhutia Football School (BBFS) in Laitkor. Being invited and to attend it every day sounds easy; especially when one has the wheels and wares to get to the training field.
Not for Aiboklang, who comes from a family of five siblings whose parents are farmers and daily wage earners. The teenager walks for 12km everyday from his village to Laitkor to reach the training ground for honing his skills as a goalkeeper and dreams to be a professional footballer one day.
“I leave my home on foot at around 3:30 am-4 am every morning to reach the training ground situated at Laitkor,” he said.
His talent was first sighted in 2019 when he was selected to represent Upper Shillong Colt Academy in the Meghalaya Baby League. That year the team reached the final of the league, eventually losing to Langsning.
Aiboklang also represented the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools in the U17 Youth League and was also enrolled at the Pay For Right Academy, Malki before returning to Sei-La-Sap Coaching Centre.
Presently he will be representing Madan Laban Sports Club in the Third Division of the Shillong Sports Association starting from June 2025.
His parents, Skanroy Kharmuti and Akolin Jyrwa are his moral support. “I know my son walks every day alone in the early morning lull when no one is out in the streets, he would pass through rugged roads and the woods, but all I do is to keep him in my prayers. He chose his passion and we stand by him,” Akolin said.
Apart from training to become a footballer he also does odd jobs to earn a living. His mother said whatever he earns he divides between the needs of his home and his training.
Coach of the Sei La Sap football coaching centre, Willy B Marbaniang, sees Aiboklang as a dedicated teenager who is an inspiration and an example to hundreds of young trainers at the academy.
“His road has not been easy but his dedication and passion to grow is evident. We are hopeful that he will be able to play not only in the under-17 but in senior leagues in the future.”
Marbaniang stressed on prioritising passion over immediate financial gains.
“Money is of course important for a footballer but at a young age choosing to be productive first should be a priority because this will lead to financial rewards in the long run,” he said.
