Secretary Sports Council Nuzhat Gul inaugurates football academy in Downtown Srinagar

By Zargar Zahoor

Srinagar: Having set its aim in reviving the football legacy in Old City of Srinagar, the Downtown Heroes FC has launched the age group teams based in Old City.
Downtown Heroes FC, an I-League aspiring Football club came into existence from 2019, on Saturday launched its Under-16 , Under-12 and grassroot football academy.
The teams and academy were inaugurated by Secretary Sports Council Nuzhat Gul at Islamia College Ground Hawal which is in the heart of the old city of Srinagar. Among others present on the occasion were M.Y. Itoo, President J&K Football Association Zamir Thakur, DFA President Fayaz Ahmad Sofi.
In Kashmir, old city of Srinagar is known for producing top class footballers who went on to represent J&K at National and International level. Old City was known as hub of the football in Kashmir but in recent past has lost its touch with the most followed sport in Kashmir.
“This club was launched with an aim to revive the lost glory of football in the Old City. Launched in 2019, the club has already made name for itself. Club in its inaugural season went to play in Premier League, Real Kashmir Cup and also went on to win Doon Knockout football tournament title. Everyone has been praising club for its development project and have already applied for Second Division I-League,” Club’s Chairman Irfan Shahmiri in a statement said that
“Today’s event is step forward in making our dream come true. The goal is to develop a football academy which will nurture talent of youth at different age levels with a top professional level team. Sport, like football, is a great thing for holistic development of young people. It builds physical and emotional health and overall confidence,” he said, adding, “There is evidence that such sports activities translate to improvement in academics as well. It’s also a great way channeling the energy of youth and keeping them away from social evils like drugs which have unfortunately growing rapidly in Srinagar.”