Organisers during the press conference held at Urban Hub Café on April 10.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 10
The sixth season of the Mokokchung Football League 35+ is all set to kick off on April 12 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung. The announcement was made during a press conference held at Urban Hub Café on April 10, by the league’s Season 6 Convener Aongsen Aier, Secretary and Coordinator Imcharen Lusang, and senior member Dr Lanu Walling.
The MFL 35+, an exclusive football league for players aged 35 and above, will feature six teams competing in a total of 75 matches over 25 Saturdays. The participating teams this season are Revenant FC, Terokroker FC, Trebuchet FC, Nova Sporting Club, New Ecclesia, and Wasang FC. All matches will follow a points league format, with three matches played every Saturday.
Dr Walling highlighted that the core objectives of the league remain rooted in promoting the “three F’s”—Friendship, Fellowship, and Fitness—among its players. “This league is more than just football; it’s about community and healthy living,” he emphasized.
While the league does not focus heavily on prize money, the organizers noted that a cash prize will be awarded to the champions along with individual recognitions. This season introduces a new feature—Best Player of the Match—to be awarded after every game.
Revenant FC, the reigning champions, will look to defend their title, having won all five previous seasons.
Looking beyond the matches, Dr. Walling also addressed the league’s broader mission. He noted that although Mokokchung has historically produced many talented footballers who have played at the state and national levels, there has been a decline in recent years. To counter this, the MFL is planning to conduct a professional football clinic featuring a nationally certified coach, aimed at both male and female participants. “This is part of our grassroots revival effort,” he said. Additionally, the league is preparing to launch a ‘Baby League’ for children under 12, with plans to divide them into two age categories. Organizers have appealed to parents and civil society groups for their support in making this youth development initiative a success.
The league is a self-sustained endeavor, managed entirely through player contributions and support from well-wishers. Each player registers with a fee of Rs 1000, and teams pay Rs 7000 per season. The organizers mentioned that most financial support comes from among the players themselves.
