Guwahati: Shillong Lajong FC coach Bobby Nongbet was conferred the Youth Coach of the Year award by the Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) at its Award Night in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Nongbet, the head coach of the senior team, got the coveted title in recognition of his tutelage to the club's junior team that won the Under-18 Youth League in the 2017-18 season and for his contribution towards youth development programme of the first northeastern club to feature in the I-League, the apex club tournament of the country.

The AIFC is a recognised body of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the apex football administrator in the country affiliated to FIFA.

Nongbet, who hails from Shillong, had earlier trained Shillong Lajong colts to win the under-15 Manchester United Premier Cup India Champions in 2010.

Receiving the award, Nongbet said: "I would like to thank the AIFC and the AIFF for this award. This initiative certainly will lift the spirit and motivation of India's coaches in the country to work harder. It serves as a good recognition for efforts put by the club in working with the youths."

"I dedicate this award to my immediate technical support staff Aibok Kharpran and Milan Nongkhlaw," he added. Kharpran is an assistant coach and Nongkhlaw is the manager with the SLFC under-18 team.

"I would like to thank the management and staff for their continuous support. Special mention must be made to Lajong faithfuls who have been motivating us from the beginning. And last but not the least, Larsing Ming Sawyan for his belief and concentration on youth development," the 37-year-old AFCA licence-holder said.

Samuel Shadap, Zodingliana, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Rupert Nongrum, Redeem Tlang, Shaiborlang Kharpran, Hardy Cliff Nongbri and Aiban Kupar Dohling are some names Nongbet has produced in the SLFC Academy over the years for the senior team that has been a regular in the I-League.