Regular Football Coaching Centre in Bishnupur shaping future stars
Source: Chronicle News Service / Rajachandra Mutum
Imphal, September 18 2024:
Among the numerous academies in the state that have nurtured talented sportspersons in various disciplines, the Regular Football Coaching Centre (RFCC) at Keinou in Bishnupur district, stands out as a place where youth are trained to excel and become household names.
The coaching centre has Soibam Robichandra as the founder and chief coach.
In an exclusive interview with The People's Chronicle, Robichandra noted that Manipur is home to many talented sportspersons but lack of proper guidance and basic facilities often result in promising players losing their way.
To address the shortcomings, he established the academy in 2018 with the aim of providing direction and support to these individuals, helping them become successful sportspersons, said Robichandra, who has donned the colours of numerous top-notch clubs in the state, initially took a break from sports but later returned to his passion.
Having served as coach of Keinou Library and Sports Association (KLASA) Football Club, among other assignments of importance, he is determined to take his academy to a national level institute and groom the next generation of players.
While conceding that he faced financial challenges in the formative years of operating the coaching centre, the founder expressed gratitude to local sports enthusiasts for provide all possible support, consequently helping the centre where it is today.
Informing that the centre present has around 100 players of different age groups ranging from six to and 17 years old, he said the young players are reaping benefit of the expertise of seven coaches, all of whom are accomplished international and national players.
The coaches are Soraisam Robichandra Singh, Soraisam Dharamjit, Lisam Nabachandra Singh, Naorem Dhanan-joy Singh, Haobam Priyobrata Singh, Loktongbam Tomba Singh and Lourembam Manichandra Singh.
Expressing frustration over the centre's inability to get registered under All India Football Federation (AIFF) due to non-fulfilment of certain criteria, Robichandra affirmed to pursue the registration process in the next season as well.
As most of the players belong to low-income families, only nominal monthly fees are levied to meet the hiring charge of the coaches, he disclosed while commending the said coaches for their commitment and dedication in moulding the youngsters regardless of facing financial constraints.
The founder also credited title-winning performance of the centre's teams in district level tournaments to tireless efforts of the coaches, while expressing elation that eight players from the centre have been selected for Army Boys team and the national squad.
Chipping in RFCC president Nabachandra said that the facility was established by Robichandra through hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
Support from numerous football enthusiasts in the community has played a crucial role in guiding the youth away from adversity and toward a brighter path.
In a short span of time, the centre has produced five players who performed exceptionally well in the Under-15 inter-club tournament organised by the All Manipur Football Association, earning selection to represent the state at the national level.
Additionally, the centre triumphed in the Under-15 Third Division Football League and secured victories in the Under-13 and 15 competitions, while finishing as runners-up in the Under-17 category.
The centre even managed to reach the Super Division level in the 2023-24 season, he said.
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