Nepali football has taken a significant step forward with the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Frenz International Football Academy and Lumbini Football Academy. The agreement was formalized during a special ceremony at Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu, marking the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership focused on transforming grassroots football development in Nepal. The MoU was signed by Sameer Oli and Ashmita Gurung, in the presence of Frenz owner Delvin SP.
Founded in 2023 in Ghorahi, Dang, Lumbini Football Academy has been operating through personal investment by Sameer Oli, providing residential facilities, its own football ground, and structured training programs for 29 young players. The academy also demonstrates strong social responsibility by fully supporting six players from marginalized and Dalit communities, covering their education, accommodation, and daily needs. On the other hand, Frenz International Football Academy, established in 2012 in Singapore, has built a solid reputation across Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia, and operates under the patronage of former Singapore national team head coach Jita Singh. With its experience in elite youth development and professional football systems, Frenz brings valuable international expertise to Nepal.
Following the partnership, both institutions will jointly operate under a new identity, Lumbini Frenz Football Club, aiming to establish a strong presence in Nepal’s domestic and national football structure. In the initial phase, Frenz will provide financial, technical, and commercial support while focusing on upgrading infrastructure at the Ghorahi facility, which will serve as the central hub. In later phases, the model will expand across provinces, creating a nationwide grassroots football network.
A major highlight of this collaboration is the introduction of AI-powered football technology—an unprecedented development in Nepali grassroots football. Advanced systems from Singapore will be used to monitor player performance, collect real-time data, and analyze development metrics, potentially revolutionizing how talent is nurtured in the country. Beyond football, the partnership is also expected to strengthen Nepal–Singapore relations and boost confidence among foreign investors in Nepal’s sports sector. Looking ahead, Lumbini Frenz Football Club plans to compete in major domestic tournaments and national leagues, featuring international players and guided by experienced coaching leadership, signaling an exciting new chapter for Nepali football.
