The Meghalaya government has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NorthEast United FC aimed at boosting football development and promote Shillong as the ‘Football Capital’ of India, officials said on Tuesday. The partnership, effective from 2025 to 2028, brings together NorthEast United FC, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in a joint effort to promote football culture, encourage youth participation, and strengthen Meghalaya’s image as a key tourism destination, they said. The MoU was signed by representatives of NorthEast United FC, Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya.
Under the MoU, NEUFC will play a pivotal role in conducting grassroots training programmes, football festivals, and talent scouting initiatives across the state, while the government will facilitate infrastructure support and community engagement activities. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from NorthEast United FC, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya. The collaboration reflects the state’s long-term vision of integrating sports with tourism and youth development.