INDIAN FOOTBALL

The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023

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The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) has begun its second season. With over 50 teams fighting for national and international honours. The success that the tournament has given last, it is the latest and most exclusive U-21 tournament of the country. However, with teams from the Indian Super League, I-League division I&II, and Independent Academies nominated by the State Football Associations competing across nine regions in India. The top four teams will advance to the Next Generation Cup.

The top four RFDL teams will qualify to compete against chosen Premier League Clubs. And moreover, South Africa’s PSL young teams in the annual Premier League Next Generation. This will be held later this year in cooperation with the Reliance Foundation. The exposure and competitiveness of the Next Generation Cup are intended to promote India’s premier youth football potential.

“The Reliance Foundation Development League was conceptualised to offer young footballers with a competitive platform to test themselves against the finest players in their age group,” said a Reliance Foundation Spokesman. Given its success, we have now expanded the league across the country. It is encouraging to see so many teams from other leagues and academies participate. This season exemplifies the Reliance Foundation’s ongoing attempts to establish itself as an inclusive force dedicated to the growth of Indian football. However, we are dedicate to strengthen the whole football ecosystem in India. Offering the most exposure to young Indian players to enhance their abilities and exhibit their potential through the Reliance Foundation Development League and with the help of our partners – Premier League.”

About RFDL

Regional qualification, national group stage, and national championship will be the divisions of the league. The top 20 teams will advance to the National Group Stage after about 250 matches in the regional qualifying. The top four teams from each group will compete for the RFDL National Championship. Participants in the league must have been born on or after January 1, 2002. Up to five players who were born on or after January 1, 2000 may be on each team’s roster. There can never be more than three of these players on the field at once in the starting eleven. The expanded schedule will also provide kids in this age bracket more game time and experience, which will help them improve as athletes and football players.

The first RFDL saw seven Indian Super League clubs . The Reliance Foundation Young Champions fight for top honours. With the top two teams earning a spot in the Next Generation Cup. However, last year, Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC competed in the Next Generation Cup. Where the young Indian youngsters dazzled Premier League academy coaches and scouts. The Reliance Foundation Development League is part of the Reliance Foundation’s ongoing commitment to helping young athletes in India. Moreover, develop their skills by providing them with more opportunities, world-class infrastructure, sports science expertise, and coaching, thereby contributing to the growth of Indian sports.

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