Moreover, the third iteration of the Premier League Next Generation Cup sponsored by Reliance Foundation will get underway. It is on May 17, 2023, at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Mumbai. The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) National Phase table-toppers are. Sudeva Delhi FC, ATK Mohun Bagan FC, Reliance Foundation Young Champs, and Bengaluru FC. They will face off against the squads of four foreign clubs. The South African Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) Stellenbosch FC will join the junior squads of Premier League clubs Everton FC, West Ham United FC, and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
Mumbai will host the matches from May 17, May 20, May 23, and May 26. With the championship game taking place on May 26. Young Indian talent from all competing teams is intended to receive competitive worldwide exposure through the competition. Everton FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, West Ham United FC and Stellenbosch FC will also travel to India for the 10-day competition.
India is hosting the Premier League Next Generation Cup for the third time; the first one took place in 2019. The competition was held in the UK the year before. With Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC representing the visiting Indian teams. Indian clubs are given four slots in this season as opposed to two in the previous one. Moreover, providing a vast pool of players with the opportunity to earn priceless experience and advance their talents.
Teams are excited to play for the Next Generation Cup
The two gruelling rounds of the RFDL, the Regional Qualifiers and National Group Stage ended. Sudeva Delhi FC, ATK Mohun Bagan FC, Reliance Foundation Young Champs, and Bengaluru FC emerged as the top four teams. Moreover, it was India’s largest and most inclusive premier youth football event. Featuring clubs from the Hero Indian Super League, the I-League division I&II. And Independent Academies selected by the State Football Associations. Moreover, 300 matches were played across nine regions of the nation. The busy schedule was designed to provide kids in this age bracket more playing time and experience. Which would enhance their development as footballers and athletes overall. Before moving on to the Next Generation Cup, these teams will now fight for prizes in the RFDL National Championship.
The spokesperson for the Reliance Foundation stated: “India is teeming with unexplored football talent. With Reliance Foundation Development League we want to offer our budding footballers optimum exposure. And competitive game time to sharpen their skills. We are thrilled with the success of this season. And believe it will inspire more players to chase their dreams and reach their full potential. We are extremely delighted to continue our partnership with the Premier League to support football in India. And wish all the teams the very best of luck for the upcoming tournament and hope it will be a memorable experience for all.”
Premier League on Next Generation Cup
According to Premier League Director of Football Neil Saunders: “We’re excited to be returning to India with the Next Generation Cup for the third time. The tournament marks an important partnership between the Premier League and the Reliance Foundation Development League.”
“The Premier League is proud to have a passionate fanbase in India. nd we hope our work together will continue to help develop and grow the game here. The young players representing Everton, West Ham and Wolves have a special opportunity to travel to India and experience the culture and football in a different part of the world. We wish them luck against their counterparts from India and South Africa.”
Clubs will be split into two groups of four sides each for the eight-team event. They will compete against one another in a round-robin format in a contest. With the main goal of pitting rising young talents against one another. Moreover, the competition will be a showcase of the top athletes showcasing their talents.
The Chelsea young team won the Next Generation Cup in 2020. Beating out the other six participating teams to claim the title. Moreover, the second season was won by Stellenbosch FC in 2022. West Ham United will be participating in this competition for the second time. While Everton and the Wolves will be doing so for the first time.
What is the Next Generation Cup ?
The Premier League and Football Sports Development Limited have been collaborating on projects for the past nine years. In order to exchange knowledge and expertise in all facets of the sport. Including leadership, talent development, business expansion, management, and broader community development. Moreover recently, the two leagues have worked together to improve the coaching. And refereeing standards in India as part of the sport’s overall development in that nation.
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