Not often do you see a premier academic institution joining hands with a football club. The new entrant in the I-League, Lajong FC from Shillong, however, has set an example in this regard. The club has entered into an agreement with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong, that will see the IIM faculties take active part in the team’s preparations.

To keep the players in shape psychologically, the club management has decided to invite the IIM professors who will take classes ahead of and during important tournaments.

“It’s a rare honour. All the players got to be in top shape. Both physically and mentally during the I-League, which is a long tournament. Our association with the IIM will open a new horizon in Indian football. The AIFF should also consider hiring them to learn a few things about sports management,” Lajong secretary Larsing Ming Swan told The Indian Express.

The club has already roped in UB Group as co-sponsor. It is also in talks with a few companies to increase its sponsorship base.

“We have set our focus on the youth development programme. We plan to set up a football school where 25 young talents from the North-East, all around 15 years of age, will be groomed. We also have plans for a tie-up with one of the world’s premier soccer schools,” Ming Swan said. Lajong FC will start the season with the IFA Shield. With former Indian deputy coach Stanley Rozario at the helm, the club looks forward to make a mark in Kolkata. The boys will undergo a residential camp in Guwahati from August 23.

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