Manipur has produced a large number of national and international footballers and currently over 100 state players are associated with various prominent clubs of the country, including Prayag United, Kolkata and Shillong Lajong FC.
CM Okram Ibobi Singh inaugurated the programme, organized jointly by Manipur Development Society and All Manipur Football Association and supported by Manipur youth affairs and sports department. Ibobi Singh said the foreign-coach-led programme would not only develop football skills of the young boys but also give more experience to the state coaches. Stating that the required infrastructure around the current artificial football turf at Khuman Lampak be set up by his government soon, the chief minister promised to construct a similar ground in all districts of the state.
"I have seen hordes of talented Manipuri footballers playing in leading clubs of the nation and my new mission to coach the young players here will definitely bear fruit," said Darby, a known name in the international coaching circuit, who holds English (Football Association) Full 'A' licence.
Darby, who has coached large number of international teams, said the players of Manipur need more opportunities and should be exposed to a professional environment. The English coach is assisted by three assistant coaches- Nandakumar Singh (AFC- "A") and L Chaoba Devi (AFC-"B") and G Dhanakumar Sharma-in the programme. While Nandakumar and Chaoba are deputed by AMFA, Sharma is sent by Manipur YAS department.
Nandakumar said the programme would help in the overall development all 30 players between 15 and 19 years.