Project Northeast Rising
Football Talent Development Program for Northeast India
The Northeast region is one of the strongest contributors to Indian football talent.
Project Northeast Rising is designed to create a long-term football development ecosystem in Northeast India.
This program focuses on:
- Grassroots football scouting
- Player development and support
- Career pathways in football and beyond
1. Local Football Trials in Northeast India
IKF conducts local football trials across Northeast states in partnership with trusted academies.
Key Focus:
- Grassroots talent identification
- Open access football trials
- Pathway to zonal-level competition
This ensures:
- Increased participation
- Local reach and inclusivity
- Discovery of hidden football talent
2. Financial Support for Talented Football Players
IKF identifies high-potential football players and identify donors to provides:
- Sponsored training programs
- Support for nutrition and equipment
- Flexibility to train at preferred academies
Goal: Remove financial barriers in Indian football.
3. IKF 360 — Life Beyond Football
IKF 360 is a holistic player development program that combines football with real-world skills.
Life Skills Training
- Communication and leadership
- Discipline and teamwork
- Decision-making skills
Employability Skills
- Basic digital skills
- Job readiness training
- Interview preparation
Career & Job Pathways
- Entry-level job opportunities via IKF network
Safety Net for Players
Even if a player does not pursue professional football, they gain:
- Employable skills
- Career direction
- Financial stability
4. Northeast Zonal Football Rounds
Top players from local trials compete in regional football selection rounds.
IKF ensures presence of :
- Indian Super League (ISL) clubs
- I-League football teams
- Top private football academies in India
5. National Football Finals in India
If players are not scouted at Zonals they can come to IKF National Finals, where they are scouted by top clubs and academies as well.
IKF continues to financially support deserving players, ensuring equal access to national opportunities.
Building India’s Football Ecosystem
Project Northeast Rising contributes to the growth of Indian grassroots football by:
- Creating structured football pathways
- Increasing visibility of Northeast players
- Connecting players with clubs and academies
- Supporting long-term player development
- Expanding opportunities beyond football careers
End-to-End Football Development Platform
IKF manages the complete ecosystem:
- Football trial operations across India
- Talent scouting and evaluation
- Player funding support
- Club and academy connections
- National-level football events
- Life skills and employability training (IKF 360)
This ensures a seamless football development journey for every player.
Opportunities in the Football Ecosystem
Project Northeast Rising strengthens grassroots football by engaging:
- Local football coaches
- State Associations
- Scouts and evaluators
- Training academies
Building a sustainable football ecosystem in Northeast India.
Our Vision
To create a fair, transparent, and structured football pathway in India, where every talented player:
- Gets equal opportunity
- Accesses professional football pathways
- Reaches national-level exposure
- Builds a stable future beyond football
Get Involved
Project Northeast Rising by India Khelo Football (IKF) is a mission to transform grassroots football in India.
