Meghalaya approves 45-year land lease for NorthEast United FC Academy

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a 45-year lease of 19.99 acres of land at Mawkhanu in New Shillong to Indian Super League club NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) to establish a football academy.

The club is expected to invest ₹40–50 crore in the facility, which will include three football grounds, player accommodation and other infrastructure. The decision was announced by the state government on October 27.

Building a pathway to professional football

The academy is intended to connect grassroots participation with professional training, giving young players access to advanced facilities and opportunities to progress to higher levels of competition.

Meghalaya has around 125 grassroots football centres and provides financial support to local clubs. The proposed academy is expected to complement these initiatives by offering a more advanced training environment.

Potential expansion in Shillong

NorthEast United FC is owned by actor John Abraham, who is also Meghalaya’s tourism brand ambassador. Discussions have previously taken place about shifting the club’s management operations from Guwahati to Shillong.

The academy could also strengthen Shillong’s role as a venue for professional football. The state government has indicated that the club’s presence could create opportunities to host Indian Super League and Durand Cup matches in the city, although no additional fixtures have been confirmed.

Support for local clubs

The state government has said that other clubs and organisations can also seek support for football infrastructure by submitting proposals.

The project’s next stages will involve developing the planned facilities and establishing the academy’s operations. Its long-term contribution will depend on how effectively it connects grassroots players with advanced coaching and pathways into professional football.