Talking about nurturing budding footballers for the future, Siliguri has a big vacuum, especially after the Sports Authority of India (SAI) shifted its center from Siliguri to Jalpaiguri. East Bengal once started a residential coaching program in Rajganj. But Siliguri's football fraternity doubts the running of East Bengal. 

In a bid to fill up the vacuum United Sports has come forward, signing a tie-up with Chandmani Tribal Sporting Club in Siliguri to start a non-residential coaching program at the club's ground from 11th May. 

Manoj Toppo Orao, the secretary of Chandmani Tribal Sporting Club revealed, "Our club ground is the only ground after Kanchenjunga Stadium. Secondly, we do not have a dearth of talent either. We have nearly 50 boys who train at the club ground. They have potential, but they lack the proper guidance. They are not serious also. 

He added, "After the SAI center shifted its base to Jalpaiguri there is no such center where footballers, despite being potential are not groomed properly. Now, after the United Sports initiative, we are hoping that Siliguri and North Bengal will again be able to produce quality footballers for Bengal and India in the future." 

Nabab Bhattacharya United Sports director is also optimistic about the project. He divulged, “Siliguri is my second home. I have seen several potential young and budding footballers across Siliguri and its three adjacent districts. But today the big vacuum that has gripped North Bengal is mainly due to a lack of infrastructure and communication. Three footballers from North Bengal were in our I-League team this season."

He continued, "There are several potential footballers across the tea gardens. But they lack infrastructure, proper guidance, and communication. Chandmani Sporting Club has ground. So here we can build up the base of nurturing quality footballers of North Bengal. I am optimistic." 

The club has planned initially to start with 50 footballers will provide coaches from its coaches' panel. The module will be made by the chief coach Steve Herbots.

United Sports Club which has introduced a residential training program already in Murshidabad recently, started a similar project in North Bengal in association with Doon Heritage School in Champasari.