Mizoram’s love for football runs deep, it’s part of our identity: Chhangte

The Mizoram Football Association, in collaboration with Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC), on Saturday launched the fourth season of RFYC Naupang League. After three successful seasons, Mizoram’s flagship grassroots football initiative returns with a bigger format, more matches and enhanced development opportunities for young players, coaches and referees.

Spanning nine months, this season is projected to feature over 2,600 matches across the four districts of Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, and Lunglei. The league continues to provide one of the most comprehensive and competitive platforms for boys and girls from the ages of Under-6 till Under-14, while further reinforcing football’s role as a catalyst for community development in Mizoram.

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Speaking at the launch of the new season, national football team’s Mizo star Lallianzuala Chhangte said, “Mizoram’s love for football runs deep – it’s part of our identity. From streets to schools, passion, discipline, and community support push young players forward. The culture breeds competitiveness and humility, essential for success.”

“A consistent, well-structured league like RFYC Naupang League gives kids a platform to grow in a competitive yet safe environment, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for football. I’m happy the RFYC Naupang League is giving them this opportunity,” added the Mumbai City FC star.

Key additions in Season 4

The fourth season comes with several key additions. Aizawl will see 16 new age-group teams and more than 270 extra matches, while the city will also host fresh formats with the introduction of the Naupang Cup and Emerging Cup alongside the traditional league phase.

The season-ending Inter-District Championship (IDCH) has also been expanded, with two more age groups and 16 additional matches adding to the intensity of the finale. On the development front, Aizawl and Champhai will host over 20 additional days of weekly training and emerging talent sessions, while Kolasib and Lunglei are set to benefit from specialised training camps.

Expanded programmes for coaches and referees, including license courses and workshops conducted by RFYC, will further strengthen Mizoram’s grassroots football ecosystem.

The new season began on a special note with Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, the 18-year-old India youth international and East Bengal forward, performing the ceremonial kick-off. Cindy, who has already represented the country at U-17 and U-20 levels, symbolised the pathway from local grounds to the national stage for hundreds of aspiring youngsters.

The RFYC Naupang League has become a year-round football festival, combining competition with initiatives that promote discipline, character and community values in line with its motto – Child First, Player Second. The season will culminate with the Inter-District Championship in Aizawl, bringing together the best teams from all four districts for a high-intensity finale.