Waris Fayaz
Srinagar : In just two years, Northall United Football Club of Bandipora has emerged as a powerhouse of both football and education, offering free training to youngsters while making history on the field with a record-breaking debut season.
Training players across U-10, U-13, U-17, and senior categories, the club has quickly etched its name in the record books. The senior team, in its debut year, won 10 of 12 matches in the Super Division and secured qualification to the Premier Division — a feat never achieved before in Jammu and Kashmir football.
The initiative led by Head Coach Azhar Lone, alongside Malik Adil and Irfan Sufi besides, Coach Maajid Bashir and Mentor Nasir Hussain Khan, and is entirely self-funded. Management is handled by Yawar Fayaz, Naveed Sufi and Showkat Ali.
In June this year, Jibran Khan, founder and owner of Zero Miles – Grill & Café, took over as President, bringing fresh energy and direction to the club.
“It is an honor to lead Northall United FC and Academy. Our goal is not just to win matches, but to build a strong grassroots foundation where young players can excel in football while continuing their education. In just two years, our team has made history, and we hope to inspire many more youngsters to follow their dreams”, said Jibran Khan, President of Northall United FC.
Northall United’s impact extends beyond the valley. Every year, 8–10 academy players represent Nationals, while several youngsters feature in Indian junior leagues. Recently, senior player Saahil Aijaz was signed by Elegant United FC, winners of the Kashmir Super League 2025.
The club, currently supported by Zero Miles – Grill & Café and DRM Public School Bandipora, remains true to its community-driven spirit, charging no fees from academy players while ensuring that education goes hand-in-hand with football training.
In just two years, Northall United FC has shown that passion, vision and grassroots commitment can transform the football landscape in Kashmir, setting an example for others to follow—(KNO)
