Football has a long following in Kashmir. Real Kashmir FC put Srinagar on the national football map, and the valley's local tournaments, school leagues and academies keep a steady stream of young players coming through.
Start with regular matches
Young players improve fastest when they play often. District and local tournaments, inter-school competitions and weekend friendlies all count. For coaches, a predictable schedule matters: players know when they play, parents can plan, and local sponsors find it easier to help.
Choosing an academy
A good academy is not always the biggest one. Look for:
- Qualified coaches: ask what coaching licences they hold.
- A safe pitch: grass or artificial turf that is even and maintained.
- Playing time: smaller groups often mean more touches of the ball for each child.
- A pathway: links to local clubs, trials and state selection.
Habits that make players
Attendance and enjoyment matter more than early specialisation. Young players should play a variety of positions, work on ball control with both feet, and build fitness gradually. A phone video of a match is a free coaching tool: watching it back shows players what to work on.
Setting up a school or club programme
Two training sessions a week and a weekend game is a workable rhythm. Invite academy coaches to watch school matches, and arrange joint sessions so promising players get noticed.
The kit list is short: size 5 balls for older players (size 4 for under-12s), cones, bibs, goalposts with nets, and boots suited to the surface. On artificial turf, turf boots with many short rubber studs grip better and are easier on joints than long studs.
Where to buy
MDF Enterprises in Srinagar is an authorised NIVIA and COSCO dealer and sells footballs, turf boots, goalposts and nets to players, schools and clubs across J&K.
