Classic Football Academy: From Vision to Victory – Ourtimes.in

In the heart of Manipur, where passion for football runs deep, Classic Football Academy was established in mid-2019 by The Classic Group Of Hotels. The academy was born from the vision of Mr. NaobaThangjam, the Director of Classic Group of Hotels, who was determined to start a professional football academy with a vision as Mr.Thangjam put it, “We are here to ensure that not a single kid’s passion to play soccer misses the opportunity in the state of Manipur.”

This vision has rapidly evolved into a game-changer for youth football across the region. Leading this transformation is Renedy Singh, the former Indian footballer and the esteemed Technical Director. Supported by a committed team of 10 coaches, Renedy Singh has been the architect of this footballing revolution, building a foundation that is now synonymous with excellence.

In just five years, Classic Football Academy has made a significant mark on the football landscape. Their rapid rise is underscored by back-to-back national championships in the U-17 AIFF Youth League. But the academy’s success isn’t confined to the youth level. At the senior level, they’ve asserted their dominance, securing numerous State Championship titles and solidifying their reputation in Manipur’s top-tier football.

From the beginning, Classic Football Academy has been committed to developing talent across various age groups from U-13 to U-20 teams. The key to their success? Rigorous daily training sessions paired with strategic participation in district tournaments, laying the groundwork for their national triumphs.

Milestones That Define Excellence:

2020: Classic Football Academy wasted no time making their presence felt. They qualified for Manipur Football’s second-tier competition through the Imphal-East District 3rd Division Football Tournament, marking the beginning of their journey.

2021-2023: The academy dominated the inaugural Col. Kshetrimayum Arunkumar Futsal Tournament, winning it for three consecutive years. They also made a strong impact in the Hero Futsal Club Championship in 2021 and reached the semifinals of the Siamsinpawlpi Platinum Jubilee Football Tournament in Churachandpur District. Their victory in the Imphal-East District 2nd Division Football Tournament earned them a spot in the prestigious AMFA Cup Tournament.

2022: The academy secured their first State Championship by winning the 2nd AMFA Cup, a major achievement that put them on the map. Their growing reputation earned them an invitation to the 12th Saheed Manoranjan Memorial Football Tournament, where they finished as runners-up. Undeterred, they returned in 2023 to claim the championship in the 13th edition.

2023: The U-17 team mirrored the senior squad’s success by winning the Hero Youth Cup national title in their debut appearance. This remarkable feat led to eight academy players being called up to the Indian national team camp. These players represented India’s U-16 team in the SAFF Championship in Bhutan, where they emerged as champions.

2024: The academy retained their U-17 National Champions title, reinforcing their status as the top U-17 team in India. On July 6, 2024, seven players from the U-17 squad were called up to represent India in the upcoming SAFF Tournament and AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Additionally, the academy saw several players from the senior team making their moves to India’s top leagues, including the ISL (Indian Super League) and I-League. These players are not only advancing their careers but also getting significant game time with their respective clubs. This success has provided motivation for the young players at the academy, paving the way for future professional footballers.

Classic Football Academy’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved through vision, hard work, and unwavering commitment. In just five years, they have not only transformed the football landscape in Manipur but have also set a new standard for youth football development across India. With each milestone, the academy continues to inspire and empower the next generation of footballers, proving that with the right guidance and opportunities, even the loftiest dreams can be realized.