Ladakh Welcomes Its First Professional Football Club

Leh, the capital of the union territory of Ladakh, made history on Tuesday with the launch of the 1 Ladakh Football Club (1LFC). Founded with the ambition to become the first ever ‘professional’ club in the region, 1LFC plans to set a high standard for other clubs in the area with their goal of sustainability. Representing the state’s pride and determination, the club has adopted the Ladakh state bird, the black-necked crane, as its logo.

Already by having a base in Leh, a city located at11,000 ft above sea level, 1LFC demonstrates the unyielding spirit of the state. To seize their goal, the club has roped in ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India as the chief sponsor, while Danish brand Hummel will be the eco-friendly kit sponsor. Dedicated to achieving a net-zero carbon by 2025, 1LFC is looking forward to kick off their activities by playing in the Reliance Developmental League. To kickstart the project, the club is already in talks with some European coaches.

Reinforcing their dedication for the sport in the region, 1LFC plans to ignite a rising trend of football teams. Attracting more than 30-32 of football clubs registered with Ladakh Football Association, the club is looking for more passionate local footballers to contribute to their roster. Moreover, the club is devoted to promoting gender equality in the region and plans to launch a women’s team from the next season.

It’s evident that 1LFC has chosen a path of impact amongst the locals. The club is determined to prioritize sustainability, cleanliness and value-adding of the community. By participating in the Santosh Trophy and Senior Nationals in Chhattisgarh, 1LFC has already set an example for other teams in the region to follow. Based on their commitment to conservation, 1LFC is determined to lead the way in establishing not only football teams but also championing a greener and more sustainable way of living.