Sikkim Football Association

The Sikkim Football Association (SFA) is one of the 37 Indian state football associations that are affiliated to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), based out of Gangtok, Sikkim.[1][2] It sends state teams for Santosh Trophy and Senior Women's National Football Championship.

Sikkim Football Association
AbbreviationSFA
Formation1976 (1976)
HeadquartersPaljor Stadium, Gangtok
Region served
Sikkim, India
Membership
4 district associations
President
Menla Ethenpa
Secretary
Nanga T. Bhutia
Parent organization
All India Football Federation (AIFF)

History

The Sikkim Football Association was formed in the year 1976, while previously it was known as the Gangtok Football and Sporting Association. Sikkim football dates back with first local team, Kumar Sporting Club.[3][4][5]

The association started Sikkim Gold Cup in 1979 with the help of the Sikkim government.[6]

As interest in football in Sikkim went down due to the lack of organizing, former India football team captain Baichung Bhutia, who was born in Sikkim, founded the club United Sikkim. It became the main player source for Sikkim football team.

Competition structure (men's)
Tier Division Promotion & relegation
1
(Level 5 on Indian Football pyramid)		 Sikkim Premier Division League 8 teams, bottom relegate to Sikkim B Division[7]
2
(Level 6 on Indian Football pyramid)		 Sikkim B Division 12 teams, top promote to Sikkim Premier Division League, bottom 2 relegate to Sikkim C Division[8]
3
(Level 7 on Indian Football pyramid)		 Sikkim C Division 12 teams, top 2 promote to Sikkim B Division[9]

Sikkim Premier League

The Sikkim Premier League is the men's franchise football league in Sikkim, held post longtime inactivity of the top tier. The first season started in 2023, organised by the Football Development Private Limited and the Sikkim Football Association.

Sikkim Women's Super League

The league features six teams, namely Young Girls FC (Gyalshing), Pakyong United FC, Northerners Girls FC, Soreng Girls Academy, Dentam Girls Academy and Southerners Girls (Namchi). It offers women players the opportunity to excel and gain recognition. Teams are allowed a maximum of 25 players, including five outside the state. It is designed for each team to play at least five matches.[10]

References
  1. Chatterjee, Triyasha (13 May 2023). "FPAI Awards 2023: Bengaluru FC's Sivasakthi Narayanan wins Young Player of year, Mumbai City FC SWOOP numerous awards – Check Out". insidesport.in. Gangtok: Inside Sport India. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  2. Pradhan, Sujal (16 June 2023). "Sikkim Premier Division League 2023 to kick off on June 21st". indiatodayne.in. Gangtok: India Today North East. Archived from the original on 16 June 2023.
  3. "Sikkim Football Association, Gangtok". Archived from the original on 18 October 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2011.
  4. "Sikkim Himalayan boys have proved why they are the reigning Sikkim Premier League Champions". Goalie365. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  5. "Sikkim Premier Division League 2016 Fixture Released". Goalie365. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  6. "India - List of All India Governor's Gold Cup Winners (Sikkim)". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  7. "India - Sikkim football structure". goal.com. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  8. "India - Sikkim football structure". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  9. "India - Sikkim football structure". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  10. "SIKKIM WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE TO KICK OFF ON AUG 21". Sikkim Express. 19 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
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