NRL to start football academy for promoting young talents

In an attempt to promote football and attract the youth to the sport, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme today announced the launching of 'NRL Football Academy' with professional expertise of SPT Sports Management Pvt. Ltd and Assam Football Association. The academy will be set up at Numaligarh to build a strong and sustainable football development plans within 10 KM radius of the Refinery for future players to emerge. This was declared in a press meet held at Numaligarh. Speaking on the press meet Kajol Saikia, Chief Manager HR, NRL said that the academy will utilize the opportunity to tap talent at a young age creating the right environment with appropriate development programs. He further informed that the academy would be a non-residential one and run for four days in a week.

While interacting with media persons Ankur Dutta, Secretary Assam Football Association and Vice President of All India Football Federation said “I thanked NRL for their endeavor to set up the football academy. It is the first professionally managed football academy of the state and I am very hopeful of the outcome.” While briefing about the details of the academy Pranab Kumar Sarma, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, NRL informed that the academy will intake a total of 40 players between the ages of 10 to 12 years. Ensuring that the students of the academy have an opportunity to showcase their talent on a bigger scale the academy would serve as a platform for teams to scout and sign players. The academy has signed Oscar Bruzon Barrears, UEFA Coach from Spain who will visit the academy twice in every three months. Barrears has the experience of coaching various under 14 and under 16 team of Spanish football clubs such as Real Club Celta de Vigo S.A.D., Areosa C.F. etc. There has to be development programme for the aspiring kids, teaching them in the right way and if even one of the kids from this academy makes a mark at the international level it will be a big achievement, said Barrears.