To launch 40 Children’s Leagues across 12 States over 3 years
Mumbai: Mrs. Nita Ambani, Chairperson, Football Sports Development Limited and Reliance Foundation announced two key initiatives aimed at propelling growth of football in India, especially amongst girls.
Football Sports Development Limited will kick off a four-team Under-17 Women’s Tournament and organise
Children’s Leagues starting 2019-20 season.
Mrs Ambani revealed the plans while addressing the Indian Super League club owners’ meet here in Mumbai
on Thursday.
Over 100 women will participate in a four-team format for U17 Women’s tournament. India is hosting FIFA U-
17 Women’s World Cup in India in October 2020. The Under-17 Women’s Tournament is aimed to provide an
opportunity for the players to show-case their talent for selection to the Indian team.
The tournament is scheduled in mid-November. It will be telecast live on Star Sports, Hotstar and Jio TV.
The ISL Children’s League is yet another significant initiative declared in the meeting to propel the growth of
football in country. ISL Children’s Leagues will feature over 38,000 children under 6, 8, 10 and 12-year age
groups across 12 states over the next 3 years. In the first phase, the Children’s Leagues will commence in 3
states, ie West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, covering 15 districts, each having its own league.
By 2021-22, the Children’s Leagues are expected to have a footprint in 40 districts across 12 states with
participation from over 38,000 children.
Mrs Nita Ambani said : “It’s my vision to introduce millions of children to multiple sports disciplines. Over the
years, through the initiatives of ISL Club academies, Reliance Foundation Young Champs, and Reliance
Foundation Youth Sports we have made significant progress in promoting football, identifying talent and
providing a professional environment for young India to showcase their skills. Over 9 million children’s have
been impacted through our RF Youth Sports and RF Young Champs program.
“Hosting of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup in 2017 has ignited the interest amongst youngsters towards football
and I am certain that the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2020 will further accelerate this journey. Through the
two initiatives of Women’s U17 Tournament and Children’s Leagues, we sincerely hope to further popularise
the sport in India.”
