These youngsters are raring to go. There seems to be enough encouragement from various sectors and no dearth of enthusiasm. But what budding footballers playing for Jamshedpur-based clubs need is financial backing.

Most Jamshedpur-based football clubs are registered with the JSA and are playing in the McDowells Celebrations JSA Football league. It is not that these clubs have not been able to produce quality footballers but thanks to poor financial backing, most are helpless in lending support beyond a certain point.

Barring kits, equipment and sometimes a meagre sum, these clubs are not able to support players in any major way. Neither is there a regular flow of funds nor are corporate houses interested in backing them despite being approached umpteen number of times, club officials maintain. It is only the funding generated through members that are able to keep them up and running.

The secretary of Thakkar Bappa Club, J. Mukhi, points out: “We do not have any source of regular funds. At most, club members contribute small sums when players need to be sent for tournaments. We also provide medical facilities to players if they get an injury, apart from arranging for jerseys and equipment.”

The JSA also provides a fixed amount per annum to clubs that is differentiated on the basis of the particular division clubs are playing in. The amount, which was between Rs 2,000 to 3,500 per club, saw a hike by the JSA at the start of the league. However, one cannot deny that these clubs have not only produced quality players, as some are playing for reputed companies.

An official of the Sidhu Kanho Memorial Club says they has produced a few class players and is supporting young talent in every way. “Suku Oraon was also selected in the India camp a long time ago while there was also G. Soren is now employed in a company in West Bokaro,” he added. Recalling one such incident, the official said that once Oraon had to leave for a tournament for which he did not have funds and the club officials came together to arrange for his ticket. Sometimes, senior players, who have now retired from the game, lend a helping hand, say club officials.

While speaking of producing quality players, P.K. Kumdu of Football Coaching Centre, says the list is long. “Ranjit Baske and Marshal Bodra are some who are presently playing in the league and both come from humble backgrounds,” he said.

Lack of support from corporates has been a major hurdle. “We had approached a lot of companies recently but none showed interest. Goa, Bengal and other states have developed because big houses have shown interest,” said an official of a reputed Jamshedpur-based club.

But at times offers do bring a ray of hope. Recently, a multinational company had shown interest in selecting players from various districts, including East Singhbhum, for the under-14 section. Officials, who had visited the city recently, had also announced a September date for the trials. Players are looking for many such opportunities.