NorthEast United FC’s academy has reached a major milestone by securing a 3-Star Accreditation in the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) 2024-25 Phase 1 Academy Accreditation rankings.
This esteemed recognition values the academy’s dedication to top-tier youth development. It marks the academy as a vital contributor to nurturing emerging football talent across India. It also reinforces its commitment to shaping the future of Indian football.
The AIFF Academy Accreditation evaluates football academies across India based on important factors. These include infrastructure, coaching standards, player development programs, and overall facilities. This accreditation acknowledges the efforts of the club’s academy. It also emphasizes NorthEast United’s focus on building a strong future for football in the region.
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A year of triumph for NorthEast United FC
The 3-Star Accreditation arrives in a year full of success for NorthEast United FC. Just a few months ago, the club clinched its maiden Durand Cup title, defeating 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a thrilling final at Salt Lake Stadium.
This win was a historic moment in the club’s history, and the academy’s recent achievement sheds light on the club’s focus on long-term success through youth development.

In the year 2023, Mandar Tamhane was appointed as the new CEO of NorthEast United FC. This appointment meant a start of the new chapter for the club both on and off the field. Under Tamhane’s leadership, the Highlanders have emphasized growth and development, in multi- facial way.
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Under his leadership, NorthEast United FC identified Juan Pedro Benali as their head-coach. The club began focusing on a youth development model. This model is similar to Bengaluru FC’s approach where Mandar spent 10 years from 2013 to 2023 overseeing various operations in various roles at the JSW owned club.
Leadership behind NorthEast United’s academy success
The remarkable growth of NorthEast United’s academy is due to key individuals’ leadership. Leaders like Naushad Moosa and Suhel Nair have significantly contributed to the accreditation of the club.
Naushad Moosa is the First Team Assistant Coach and Head Coach of the reserve team. He has been instrumental in overseeing the development of the academy’s players.
On the other hand, Suhel Nair is the Head of Youth Development at the academy. He has been dedicated to overseeing all aspects of player growth and development across all the junior level . Under Nair’s guidance, the academy has constantly featured and performed well in the various youth leagues. The club boasts players not only from Assam but also adjoining North Eastern states which is one of the influential aspects of the academy
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