Aizawl, Feb 1 (.) The Children’s Football League, jointly organised by the Reliance Foundation and the Mizoram Football Association (MFA), has crossed the milestone of 10,000 matches played, with a brief ceremony held at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Mualpui, here on Saturday.
Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar attended the programme marking the achievement. More than 3,500 children from four districts are currently participating in the Children’s League.
Addressing the gathering, Lalnghinglova Hmar said the Reliance Foundation had launched India’s first structured children’s football league in Mizoram, aimed at providing systematic training to young players. He said the Children’s League was ideal for football development, grooming young talent and instilling discipline among children.
He expressed happiness at being associated with the initiative since its inception and said the progress achieved so far had gone beyond initial expectations.
The Children’s League is being conducted in Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai and Kolasib districts for children aged between six and 14 years. The league was launched in 2022, with all expenses borne by the Reliance Foundation, while implementation is carried out by the Mizoram Football Association through its affiliated district football associations. Under the league, children play more than 30 competitive matches annually.
As MFA president, Lalnghinglova Hmar also recalled that in the past, Mizo children rarely had the opportunity to play organised matches under referees or in proper team jerseys. He said many players earlier went on to compete at the national level without even playing ten competitive matches in their formative years.
In contrast, he said, children enrolled in the league now play over 30 competitive matches a year, giving them meaningful exposure and a strong foundation for the future. He encouraged the young players, saying they had a bright future ahead.
The celebration of the 10,000-match milestone, which also included matches played under the Reliance Foundation-supported Coastal League, was led by MFA Honorary Secretary Lalrengpuia. MFA officials, representatives of Reliance Foundation Young Champs, players, and parents of participating children were present at the event. . ZC SAS .