Lokendra Football Academy highlights goals for grassroots football development in Sikkim

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GYALSHING,: Lokendra Football Academy (LFA), functioning at Sombaria under Soreng district, conducted a coordination meeting and awareness programme for the students of the academy and their parents on Saturday.

Lokendra Football Academy, founded in 2019 by former footballer LokendraGurung, has been actively working towards nurturing young football talents and providing them with a platform in the region.

The event focused on creating awareness among parents and students about various aspects of the academy, including its management, financial challenges, and the importance of active coordination and participation from both parents and students.

Lokendra Football Academy, which was earlier functioning as a non-residential football coaching facility at Sakyong under Geyzing district, has now been upgraded into a residential academy at Sombaria in Soreng district.

Founder LokendraGurung shared that the academy was shifted to Sombaria due to technical and infrastructural reasons, and stated that it is likely to be shifted back to Geyzing after a year, once the required facilities are in place.

Highlighting the achievements of the academy, Gurung said that Lokendra Football Academy has successfully nurtured young football talents, some of whom have secured admission to reputed sports institutions in Sikkim, such as the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sikkim Sports Academy (SSA).

He also mentioned that through its football development initiatives, the academy has facilitated the enrolment of promising players like PrabhatRai and Anup Kami into the State Sports Academy in Gangtok, providing them with valuable platforms to advance their football careers. Notably, Anup Kami, who recently joined SSA, was felicitated by the academy in recognition of his achievement. SSA is a premier football academy under the Government of Sikkim at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.

LokendraGurung stated that the academy operates through a scholarship system, offering 100%, 80% and 50% scholarships, along with contributions from parents. He further added that the academy receives patronage from Chief Minister P.S. Golay and other individuals.

Appreciating the support, Gurung said that the magnanimity extended by the Chief Minister has significantly contributed to the growth of the academy. “The generosity and support of Chief Minister P.S. Golay has been instrumental in the growth of Lokendra Football Academy and the development of football in West Sikkim. We feel immensely indebted to him for his continued support,” he said.

He also extended his gratitude to Roads and Bridges Minister N.B. Dahal for his constant support to the football academy.

Lokendra Football Academy has introduced a residential facility for young football enthusiasts from this year. Practice jerseys, sponsored by the Nirmala Devi Foundation, were also unveiled on Saturday.

The academy currently has 21 students from across Sikkim, with Micheal Lepcha serving as the head coach.

The event also featured an awareness programme for both students and parents. They were sensitised on various aspects of the academy, including its functioning, financial status, and other key matters related to LFA.

LokendraGurung spoke about his journey as a footballer and shared his vision for the development of football in Sikkim. He emphasised that the academy was founded not for profit, but to serve the football community of the State.

“Our mission is to nurture the best football talents in Sikkim without seeking profit. The academy is being run with the support of generous individuals. So far, we have been successful in providing a platform to talented footballers by facilitating their enrolment in reputed sports academies,” Lokendra stated.

Head coach Micheal Lepcha also briefed the students on the rules of the academy and the importance of discipline. He further informed parents about the need for proper documentation of their wards, such as obtaining passports, as young footballers may get opportunities to travel abroad for exposure tours.

Parents expressed their gratitude to LFA for its football-based initiative and for working towards fulfilling their children’s aspirations in the sport.