WITH an aim to promote football at grassroot level and provide a platform to the budding footballers, Nagpur District Football Association started a football academy at its Dr Ambedkar Stadium in Suyog Nagar.

The academy will train footballers in the age group of 12, 14 and 21 years.

The formal inauguration of the academy was done by Haresh Vora, President, NDFA in presence of Iqbal Kashmiri, Secretary of the association.

Vice-President Atmaram Pande was also prominently present.

Adnan Ali is the coach of the academy. He will be assisted by Abdullah Ansari, Khalid Ansari, Sudhir Ranshoor, Ankush Bhadange and Papan Pramanik.

Vora also informed that players will be trained throughout the year.

In future, the academies footballers will also get a chance to build their stamina through swimming. A swimming pool will also be constructed at the stadium. Players will also get training from A license coaches from the country. At present 35 players in different age groups have been enrolled.

Abdul Latif, Abid Khan, Sanjay Kathale, Hemant Sahani, Bernard D’Souza and others were also present on the occasion.