Next Gen Cup 2023: ATK Mohun Bagan vs Stellenbosch FC Live Updates

7:30 PM: Hello everyone and welcome to Khel Now’s LIVE COVERAGE of the Next Gen Cup 2023 – ATK Mohun Bagan vs Stellenbosch FC match in the Next Gen Cup 2023. The kick-off is just thirty minutes away! I’m your host Aishwarya Chakraborty, and I’ll be keeping you company through what promises a fascinating evening of football. Please wait for 30 Seconds for the Live blog to load.

Next Gen Cup 2023: ATK Mohun Bagan vs Stellenbosch FC - Build-up

The draw for the PL Next Gen Cup has been announced with the eight competitors placed in two groups. Group A comprises ISL clubs Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan, Premier League club West Ham United and South African club Stellenbosch FC. Meanwhile, Group B comprises Premier League clubs Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, RF Young Champs which is the Reliance Foundation’s academy and Sudeva Delhi FC.

The Premier League Next Gen Cup is a part of the Premier League Youth Games Initiative and a result of the Premier League’s collaboration with the Indian Super League and South Africa’s Premier Soccer League. 

The first edition in 2020 had three U-15 teams from India and three U-14 teams from Premier League. Chelsea’s U-14 side won the inaugural edition of the PL Next Gen Cup. The tournament then became an U-23 level tournament and Stellenbosch FC’s academy won the second edition in 2022. This is the third edition and will be conducted at the Reliance Corporate Park in Mumbai between May 17 and May 26, 2023. The competition aims to provide exposure to young Indian football talent by providing them with a platform to compete against the academies of the Premier League elite.

While the previous edition had only two slots for Indian clubs, allowing the academies of Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters to travel to the United Kingdom, this edition opened up four slots for Indian clubs. The four Indian teams were selected through the 2023 Reliance Foundation Development League.

Reliance Foundation Spokesperson said: “India is teeming with unexplored football talent. With Reliance Foundation Development League we want to offer our budding footballers optimum exposure and competitive game time to sharpen their skills. We are thrilled with the success of this season and believe it will inspire more players to chase their dreams and reach their full potential. We are extremely delighted to continue our partnership with the Premier League to support football in India. And wish all the teams the very best of luck for the upcoming tournament and hope it will be a memorable experience for all.”

Premier League Director of Football, Neil Saunders said: “We’re excited to be returning to India with the Next Gen Cup for the third time. The tournament marks an important partnership between the Premier League and the Reliance Foundation Development League.”

“The Premier League is proud to have a passionate fanbase in India and we hope our work together will continue to help develop and grow the game here. The young players representing Everton, West Ham and Wolves have a special opportunity to travel to India and experience the culture and football in a different part of the world. We wish them luck against their counterparts from India and South Africa.”