Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 22 (ANI): Reliance Foundation has launched the ninth season of its youth football tournament, marking its biggest footprint yet with competitions across 13 centres nationwide.
Designed for children in the U-8, U-10 and U-12 age groups, the 2026-27 season will provide thousands of young footballers with regular, structured competition and development opportunities.
Expanding from five centres last season for these age-groups, the Reliance Foundation youth football leagues will now be conducted across footballing hubs stretching from Srinagar to Kochi and Shillong to Goa, creating a season-long platform for young players to learn, compete and grow through the game. This age-group competition will make its debut in Srinagar along with the North-eastern states of Manipur and Tripura, giving a platform to a horde of young children to get introduced to the game early.
Speaking about the competition, Manipur football legend and FC Goa head coach Gouramangi Singh said as quoted by a press release, "I am very happy with the way the Reliance Foundation youth football tournaments are progressing. I strongly believe that the best preparation for playing matches is actually playing matches. The biggest advantage is that the children are getting continuity in their development from a very young age right through to the U-21 level. A pathway like this can make a big difference to the quality of players coming through."
The season is expected to engage nearly 3,500 children between the ages of 6 and 12, with an average of 24 teams participating at each centre. Across the country, RFYS will facilitate 3,276 matches during the season, making it one of India's largest structured football league ecosystems for this age group. Every participating team will compete in a proper league format, ensuring meaningful playing opportunities throughout the campaign.
A key feature of the competition is its emphasis on inclusivity. Most centres will follow a mixed-gender format, enabling boys and girls to play together, while Srinagar will host separate U-12 Boys' and Girls' competitions to further encourage participation among young girls in football in the valley.
Beyond competition, Reliance Foundation will continue to focus on the holistic development of the grassroots football ecosystem. Through its Junior League Camps, conducted twice annually at every centre, the programme will provide learning and upskilling opportunities for players, coaches, parents and referees, helping create a stronger support system around every young athlete.
The 2026-27 grassroots football calendar will also see the Naupang League return in Mizoram, with the fifth season set to kick-off on August 22, further strengthening Reliance Foundation's commitment to nurturing football in one of India's strongest youth ecosystems.
With league action set to take place across weekends throughout the season, Reliance Foundation continues its commitment to strengthening the youth football pathway in India by creating safe, inclusive and development-focused opportunities for the next generation of footballers. (ANI)
