Shillong, Jan 30: The 20th edition of the U-12 Inter-House Football Tournament for the LM Syiemlieh Memorial Trophy officially began here yesterday at the Pasteur Hill Playground in Lawmali, marking the return of one of the city’s oldest grassroots football competitions after a five-year gap.
Organised by Lawmali Pyllun SC, the tournament is being revived for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the previous edition held in 2020. A total of five teams – Black Cat, Black Panther, Tiger, Puma and Leopard – are competing in this year’s tournament, which will conclude on 14th March.
The opening match was a close encounter where Black Panther beat Black Cat 3-2. Puma then blanked Leopard 2-0 in the second fixture.
Having been conducted for more than 30 years, the tournament has served as a vital platform for nurturing young football talent, many of whom have gone on to represent major clubs and even the state and national team.
Among its notable products is Bonifilia Shullai, who has represented the Indian women’s U-17 national football team; she participated in the tournament in 2018 and 2020.
Speaking on the occasion, Lawmali Pyllun SC General Secretary Adelbert Pyrtuh noted that the tournament has been organised since 1990 and continues to play an important role in grassroots football development. He encouraged the young players to set higher goals and not remain content with competing only in local tournaments.
“We would like to see all of you playing in bigger tournaments. But to succeed at higher levels, you must work hard and remain disciplined,” he said.
Meghalaya Football Association Vice-President Cliff R Nongrum, who formally inaugurated the tournament, lauded the club for organising a competition that has produced players who later represented both the state and the country. He emphasised that such tournaments should be held regularly to sustain the growth of football at the grassroots level.
He cautioned young footballers against allowing pride to overshadow their progress as popularity grow, warning that it could lead to their downfall.
Nongrum also announced that the MFA will conduct trials for its own new football academy on 6th February to identify and nurture promising young talents for advanced training.
