Nepali football has taken a major leap forward as Frenz International Football Academy, Singapore and Lumbini Football Academy, Dang officially signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at transforming grassroots football development in Nepal.
The agreement was formally signed during a special ceremony held at Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu, Naxal, marking the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between the two academies.
The MoU was signed by Sameer Oli, Director of Lumbini Football Academy, and Ashmita Gurung, Company Director of Frenz International Football Academy, in the presence of Frenz owner and Singaporean national Delvin SP adding further significance to the occasion.
Lumbini Football Academy: Building Football from the Ground Up
Founded and operated since 2023 in Ghorahi, Dang, Lumbini Football Academy has been running on personal investment by Sameer Oli, offering residential facilities along with its own football ground. Currently, the academy houses 29 residential players, nurturing young talent with a structured development program.
In a commendable social initiative, six players from marginalized and Dalit communities are being fully supported by Oli himself—covering their accommodation, education, and daily needs—highlighting the academy’s commitment to social responsibility through football.
Frenz International Football Academy: A Proven Global Model
Established in 2012 in Singapore, Frenz International Football Academy has built a strong reputation across Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Asian countries. The academy actively competes in domestic division leagues and operates under the guidance of former Singapore national team head coach Jita Singh, who serves as the club’s patron.
With years of experience in elite youth development and professional football structures, Frenz brings global expertise to the Nepali football ecosystem.
Lumbini Frenz Football Club: A New Identity in Nepali Football
Following the agreement, both academies will jointly represent Nepal’s football fraternity under the name Lumbini Frenz Football Club. The club aims to establish itself firmly within Nepal’s football structure, from domestic tournaments to national-level leagues.
As part of the first phase of implementation, Frenz International Football Academy will provide financial, technical, and commercial support to Lumbini Football Academy. The immediate focus will be on infrastructure upgrades at the Ghorahi facility, which will be developed as the central headquarters of the project.
In the next phase, the same model will be expanded province-wise across Nepal, creating a nationwide grassroots football network.
First-Ever AI Technology in Nepali Grassroots Football
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of this partnership is the introduction of AI-powered football technology into Nepali grassroots football—a first of its kind in the country.
Advanced equipment will be brought from Singapore to monitor player performance, collect real-time data, and analyze development metrics. Frenz owner Delvin SP, who has also served as managing director of an AI software company named Sixth Sense, believes this technology will revolutionize player monitoring and long-term development in Nepal.
Strengthening Nepal–Singapore Football Relations
Beyond football development, this collaboration is expected to strengthen sporting and cultural relations between Nepal and Singapore. At a time when Nepali football has been facing various challenges and negativity, this partnership sends a strong positive message to foreign investors, proving that Nepal remains a viable destination for football investment and development.
Looking Ahead: Domestic Competitions and National Leagues
Operating within Nepal’s existing football framework, Lumbini Frenz Football Club has set its sights on competing in domestic tournaments and national leagues. As its first step post-MoU, the club will participate in one of Nepal’s most popular and prestigious outstation football tournaments.
The team will feature international players and will be coached by former Singapore national team head coach Jita Singh, further raising expectations and excitement among Nepali football fans.