Youth Resources and Sports department announces Nagaland Next Top Player Season 2

Published on Apr 25, 2025

DIMAPUR — The Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) has announced the highly anticipated Nagaland Next Top Player Season 2 which will provide an unprecedented opportunity for young footballers (indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland) to embark on a journey toward professional international football.
Organised in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association, Progressive Sports Consultants, SC Nagaland/Thonburi United Thailand, this year’s edition offers a direct route to professional football opportunities, a DIPR report stated.
The selection camp will officially commence on May 12 at 2 pm at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, Police Complex. Open trials will be held for all registered players after which two players will be selected for a one-month training and trial programme at Thonburi United, Thailand.

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The trip expenses for the selected two players—including international flights and accommodation—will be sponsored as part of the initiative to help elevate the most deserving talents to the global football stage, it stated.
The two finalists will undergo a month and half-long training under Progressive Sports Consultants at Chümoukedima and thereafter will undergo another one month-long professional training and tryout under the expert coaching setup of Thonburi United in July 2025.
This programme will determine their final signing into the club for the 2025–2026 season, offering them a gateway into international professional football.
“This programme follows the inspiring success of Meceivi Khieya, the season 1 winner of Nagaland Next Top Player who signed professionally with Thonburi United in Bangkok for a period of 8 months. His journey stands as a testament to the talent pool in Nagaland and the transformative power of this platform,” the release stated.
Registrations are now open and can be completed online via the Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports Instagram Page (@youth_resources_and_sports) and the SC Nagaland x Thonburi United Instagram Page (@scn.tu).
“All eligible players (indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland only) have been encouraged to apply and make the most of this career-defining opportunity,” the report added.