SJC Football Academy Kicks Off New Era of Sports Excellence in Prayagraj

Prayagraj : The sporting landscape of the "City of Offerings" received a significant boost as the SJC Football Academy was officially inaugurated on Saturday at the prestigious St. Joseph’s College (SJC), Civil Lines. The ceremony marked a dedicated step toward nurturing grassroots football talent in the region.

The academy was formally opened by the Chief Guest, retired IAS officer Badal Chatterjee, who performed the traditional ceremonial kick-off. Addressing the young athletes, Mr. Chatterjee emphasized the importance of discipline and professional training in modern sports. He spent time interacting with the first batch of trainees, encouraging them to pursue excellence with passion.

The event was graced by a distinguished panel of guest speakers, including:

• Dr. Umar Mustafa Hasan, Joint Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association.
• Mohammad Fahad & Imran Khan, former international hockey players.
• Shahid Kamal Khan, former national hockey player.
• Tahir Abbas, BCCI Panel Umpire.

Father Walter D’Souza, Principal of St. Joseph’s College, welcomed the dignitaries with mementos, expressing the institution's commitment to holistic student development. "The goal of this academy is to provide a professional platform where local talent can be polished to meet national standards," he stated.

According to Shabi Rafiq, the Sports Coordinator at SJC, the academy is now open for enrollment. Admission forms are available at the school reception between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, and at the sports ground from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The program was skillfully conducted by Jyoti Dubey, while the Academy's Head Coach, Shadab Raza, concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks. Notable attendees included Askari Abbas, Sanjeev Chandola, and several other sports enthusiasts and faculty members who gathered to witness this milestone for Prayagraj's football community.