Srinagar: Downtown Heroes Football Club have acquired the veteran former footballer and coach Hilal Rasool Parray as the club’s new head coach.

Hilal is the only pro-licensed coach in J&K and has contributed largely towards the success of football in the Union Territory.

As Downtown Heroes recently qualified for the 2nd Division I-League, Hilal’s goal would be to help them make a mark in the very first season, the club said in a statement.

Founder Downtown Heroes Mushtaq Bashir thanked J&K Bank for releasing Hilal for this job. “I’m really grateful to J&K Bank. They are our sponsors as well. We are preparing hard for 2nd Division I-League. Hilal’s addition is a major booster,” he said.

Ajaz Ahmad, a B-licensed coach, also joined the coaching staff of the club alongside Hilal.

Downtown Heroes is the only club from J&K that will be taking part in the 2nd Division I-League this year. They will play their first two matches on March 13 and 17 at Chandigarh and then host their first home match on March 24.

KR Desk