Meghalaya Approves Land Lease for NorthEast United Football Academy
In an official administrative proceeding, the Meghalaya Cabinet agreed to grant 19.99 acres of land at Mawkhanu in New Shillong on a 45-year lease to NorthEast United FC for developing a football academy. According to a statement posted on social media platform X by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the planned facility will incorporate three football grounds, residential accommodation and specialized amenities to train regional youth for higher levels of competition.
The administrative allocation aims to transition regional sports planning from local grounds toward an institutional pipeline capable of preparing players for national and international competition. In conjunction with private academy development, the state government maintains grassroots financial assistance through its ongoing Mission Football initiative.
The 45-year lease is a compromise between the 30 years initially considered by the government and the 60 years sought by the club, according to SportsLine.
Proposed Investment and Infrastructure Blueprint
Under the project proposal, NorthEast United FC has outlined an estimated financial commitment ranging from Rs 40 crore to Rs 50 crore to develop the complex. The facility will incorporate residential dormitories, multiple training pitches and athletic development infrastructure designed to nurture emerging talent from Meghalaya and neighboring northeastern states.
In March 2024, NorthEast United FC and the Meghalaya government agreed on a residential football academy at Mawkhanu in New Shillong Township, according to SportsLine.
State officials noted that establishing a training center could also facilitate hosting major commercial tournaments in the state capital. The permanent presence of the Indian Super League franchise is expected to pave the way for competitive fixtures from the Indian Super League, Durand Cup and other national tournaments to be staged in Shillong in future seasons.
Grassroots Support and Local Club Backing
Cabinet representatives emphasized that welcoming an external franchise will not diminish support for established regional football clubs. The state government continues to fund community teams under Mission Football, having provided Rs 3 crore to Shillong Lajong and Rs 30 lakh to Mawlai SC to support league operations.
Government records indicate that Meghalaya currently operates nearly 125 grassroots football centres across various administrative districts. Official spokesperson Shylla stressed that authorities are keeping doors open for homegrown teams, stating that local clubs with viable infrastructure proposals will remain eligible for state government support.
Separate Land Acquisition for Knowledge City Expansion
During the same administrative assembly, the Cabinet sanctioned purchasing a further 2,81,000 square feet in Mawkhanu to facilitate Knowledge City growth. The parcel acquisition was sanctioned to support ongoing educational infrastructure planning in New Shillong.
Chief Minister Sangma explained that acquiring the contiguous parcel bridges spatial separation between previous holdings, smoothing project execution and internal transit. The state will purchase the land at a negotiated rate of Rs 490 per square foot, representing an aggregate expenditure of Rs 13.78 crore.