Reliance Foundation launches its largest youth football initiative nationwide

Reliance Foundation has initiated the ninth edition of its grassroots tournament, significantly scaling up its footprint to 13 cities across India. Catering specifically to the U-8, U-10, and U-12 age brackets, the 2026-27 schedule promises structured competitive opportunities for thousands of young athletes. Expanding from five regional bases last year, these youth football leagues will now operate in widespread sporting hubs, stretching from Srinagar down to Kochi and from Shillong across to Goa. Grassroots sporting initiatives across India are steadily shifting focus from short-term training clinics to year-round structured leagues. This season makes history by launching competitive play in Srinagar, Manipur, and Tripura, allowing children in these regions to engage with organized sports early on.

Former Indian national team defender and FC Goa head coach Gouramangi Singh praised the expansion. He stated that regular match time offers the best preparation for any player. Singh highlighted how children benefit from continuous development leading straight up to the U-21 level, creating a reliable pathway for emerging talent.

Growing Grassroots Engagement

Organizers expect nearly 3,500 boys and girls between six and twelve years old to participate, averaging 24 squads per city. Throughout the campaign, the entire ecosystem will support 3,276 actual games, ensuring young talent receives ample time on the pitch. Every participating team will play in a proper league format rather than a quick knockout structure. Most locations will adopt a mixed-gender format where boys and girls compete on the same field. Srinagar will take a different approach by hosting separate U-12 tournaments for boys and girls to actively encourage young female athletes in the valley. In addition to these competitions, the Naupang League returns for its fifth edition in Mizoram starting August 22. Junior League Camps will also run twice a year at all hubs to train coaches, referees, and parents, rounding out a robust support system for the next generation of players.