Srinagar, July 16 (KNS) : In a historic first for the Union Territory, the J&K Sports Council Football Academy has been granted the All India Football Federation's 3-Star Academy Accreditation for the 2026-27 season, becoming the first and only academy in J&K to achieve this elite recognition.
This development places the Srinagar-based academy on par with the youth setups of Indian Super League heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC, which also hold the 3-Star rating. Notably, the JKSC academy has surpassed several ISL and I-League clubs that are yet to attain a similar accreditation level.
The AIFF Academy Accreditation programme is a national benchmark evaluating infrastructure, coaching standards, player development, and governance.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis recognition is a direct result of the J&K Sports Council's sustained efforts to build a world-class football ecosystem in the region.
The accreditation will allow young J&K players to compete directly in national AIFF Youth League competitions and offers coaches a pathway for advanced licensing. "This landmark achievement reinforces the J&K Sports Council’s vision of establishing Jammu & Kashmir as a significant contributor to Indian football," stated an official, per a release.
Established in 2017, the academy has already produced 15 players for national teams and various ISL/I-League clubs, and currently trains over 1,500 aspirants across its 12 Khelo India centres and district units. (KNS)