Madhyapur Youth Association (MYA) is all set to organise double round robin football league for children in two age-groups from Saturday. 

The tournament named MYA Weekend Grassroots Football Home and Away League will be played over weekends and holidays at the MYA grounds in Sano Thimi, Bhaktapur. Former Jawalakhel Youth club player, Jiban Sinkeman who will volunteer in a coaching role, informed that the event will be organised for 8-10 and 11-13 years of age groups. The tournament will feature 16 teams in each age group including two academies and 14 schools of Bhaktapur. 

Matches in a shortened field will last for 60 minutes with two breaks after 20 minutes. A full playing squad comprises of eight players but each side require to name at least 15 players. MYA expects the tournament to be completed in eight months. 

“We have decided to run matches only on Saturdays and holidays so that it would not affect the academic schedule,” said the former national team goalkeeper-skipper and MYA President Upendra Man Singh. “We want to set up new trend through local level initiative and not just depend solely on All Nepal Football Association. We hope others to follow our suit.” 

Singh said they have encouraged participation of maximum number of players and teams considering it could be a solid platform for future stars. “We held several training sessions for young kids last year. But we believe training alone will not help develop players. They need a platform where they can test their abilities and that will only be done through competitive matches,” said Singh.

The estimated cost of the tournament is Rs 1.4 million and MYA expects to raise it from the participating teams. Singh also revealed that MYA was planning to run a professional academy for children above 13 years of age from next year. Raju Shrestha, Director of Grassroots Football Academy, handed over 20 footballs to Singh during a programme on Thursday. Grassroot is one among 16 teams to compete in the event. 

Set up more than a decade ago, MYA has been conducting various football and social activities. The team currently plays in ‘B’ division league.