Himalayan News Service

Lalitpur, February 19:

All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is organising the Nepal Bank Junior (Under-14) League Football Tournament, under the sponsorship of Nepal Bank Limited from February 21. At a press meet organised today, it was informed that 12 teams, juniors of ‘A’ Division clubs — Three Star Club, Manang Marsyangdi Club, Mahendra Police Club, Friends Club, New Road Team, Jawalakhel Youth Club, Boys Union Club, Brigade Boys Club, Ranopokhari Corner Team, Sankata Club, Mahabir Club and Kathmandu Club — are taking part in the 20-day event.

The teams are divided into two groups and the top-two finishers will advance to the semi-finals. While the winners and the runners-up will walk away with Rs 1,00,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively; two teams that make it to the last four will be awarded with Rs 25,000 each. Also, the best goalkeeper, best midfielder, best defender, best forward, highest scorer and the most disciplined team will also be awarded.

The estimated cost for running the tournament is Rs 8,00,000 out of which, Nepal Bank Limited, being the main sponsors, have contributed Rs 3,00,000 and co-sponsors — Nepal Investment Bank Limited, Buddha Air Pvt Ltd, Morang Auto Works Pvt Ltd (Yamaha), Himalayan Snax and Noodles (Mayos), Chaudhari Group (Big Mimi) and Bhat Bhateni Supermarket — have given Rs 50,000 each. The organisers also informed that the remaining amount will be managed by ANFA.

Also, the organisers have provided each participating teams with 18 football jersey and football boots. It was also informed that ANFA will give opportunity to players, who have qualified after playing the recently concluded Tribhuvan Memorial Inter-DDC Chairman Cup Football Tournament and those who are training at Laboratory School of Kathmandu, and ANFA Academy of Dharan and Hetauda, to play the U-14 league.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO of Nepal Bank Limited J Craig McAllister said, “Since football is the most popular sport in the world, our company plans to promote the game in Nepal.”

Meanwhile, chairman of Nepal Bank Limited Bharat Bahadur Karki announced that the company will sponsor the tournament for next five years.