NEW DELHI: Seven Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and a team from Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) will take part in the inaugural Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) in Goa from April 15 to May 12.
Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC have confirmed their participation for the tournament.
Players born on or after January 1, 2001 will be eligible to participate in the league but each team has been granted permission to include up to five players born on or after January 1, 1999 in their squads.
Speaking on the development, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation, said, “I am thrilled about this unique opportunity that the Reliance Foundation Development League will offer to young players across the country. They are the future of Indian football, and I am convinced that providing them the platform to play against the best players in their age group will help them grow. This league is yet another step towards creating a world-class ecosystem to develop the tremendous potential for football in India. As we emerge from the pandemic, I am sure the youngsters will cherish the chance to get back on the field and show us their talent.”
No more than three such players will be permitted to be part of the playing XI at all times. Each club can travel to Goa with a maximum of 24 players but no foreign nationals can be included in their squads.
The top two finishers at the end of the league will be given the chance to participate at the Next Gen Cup to be held in the United Kingdom for the first time later this year.
The Next Gen Cup will be hosted by the Premier League (PL) as part of its longstanding partnership with the ISL to support the development of football in India. The top two teams from the RF Development League will be joined by selected youth teams of the Premier League clubs.
