Indian Football Association (IFA) is going to start an inter-district football tournament through West Bengal on 15th February. The competition that will take in the seven venues of the state will be held in a league-cum-knock-out format.

It is believed that districts like Murshidabad, Siliguri, Bolpur, and Purulia have been shortlisted. The spotters from the respective districts that will host the tournament as well as spotters selected by the IFA are likely to be present in the matches so that after the tournament gets over potential footballers can be shortlisted. 

However, IFA secretary Anirban Dutta revealed the aim will be to explore talent before senior teams are made for the National Games as well as Santosh Trophy. 

Dutta, "Generally we call up the footballers in the preparatory camp for the National Games and Santosh Trophy from the clubs that take part in Kolkata Football League. Now, we will also call up the best footballers, emerging from this inter-district league. That will not only strengthen the state team, will also recreate a supply-line of footballers that dominated in the 60s, 70s, and even in 80s." 

Incidentally, Dutta informed according to a recently-announced regulation no footballer, playing in the I-league and ISL is allowed to take part in the National Games and senior national championship for Santosh Trophy. 

Dutta, welcoming the rule stated, "This rule is helping the states to explore potential footballers. But if you look at AIFF's strategy of including the Santosh Trophy in youth development then I feel it could have been better for Indian football if the footballers' age limits had also been restricted in the tournaments like National Games and Santosh Trophy."