Aatif Qayoom
Srinagar, May 16: In a first for Jammu & Kashmir football, Indian Super League side NorthEast United FC will conduct open selection trials in Srinagar in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, giving young footballers from the region a direct chance to showcase their talent before a top tier professional club.
The trials will be held on May 18 at 11 a.m. at TRC Synthetic Turf Ground in Srinagar. The selection process will cover two age categories, U21 players born in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and U18 players born in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The initiative has generated excitement among football players and coaches across the Valley, as it marks the first time an ISL club has organised open football trials in J&K.
Officials said the move could open a new pathway for local footballers who have long struggled to find direct exposure to professional clubs despite strong grassroots participation in the sport.
An official of the J&K Sports Council said the trials are aimed at identifying raw talent from different parts of the region and connecting young players with professional opportunities.
“This is a major opportunity for footballers of J&K. For the first time, an ISL club is coming here to directly scout talent. We believe the region has immense football potential and such initiatives can motivate young players to pursue the sport seriously,” the official said.
The official added that football has witnessed growing popularity in Kashmir over the years, with local grounds witnessing large participation from youngsters despite limited professional exposure.
“This collaboration is important because it gives local players a platform to compete and prove themselves at a national level. We hope more professional clubs will follow this path in future,” the official added.
Football enthusiasts have welcomed the development, calling it a positive step for the sporting ecosystem of J&K. Coaches and former players said such trials could inspire a new generation of footballers and help bridge the gap between local talent and professional leagues.
The TRC ground in Srinagar has hosted several major football events in recent years and remains one of the main centres for football activities in the Valley.
Young players participating in the trials are expected to undergo skill assessments and match sessions under the observation of the scouting team from NorthEast United FC.