Reliance Foundation Young Champs Naupang League returns for third season

The successful grassroots initiative returns for its third edition.

After two successful seasons, Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) in collaboration with the Mizoram Football Association announce the return of the third season of the RFYC Naupang League, a grassroots initiative aimed at developing football at the community level in Mizoram commencing on August 24. The league will span over nine months with an emphasis on increasing game time, expanding employment opportunities, and providing additional training sessions for young footballers and community members.

Expansion of the Naupang League

After two successful seasons, the RFYC Naupang League will again span over nine months, providing a comprehensive platform for young footballers to excel in their home state. The league will operate in four districts of Mizoram—Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, and Lunglei—utilizing two different models of league structure to cater to various age groups and community needs.

• Aizawl and Champhai: The Naupang League in these districts will feature 12 teams each in the U8, U10, U12, and U14 age groups, with each team playing 33 matches. This model will be managed by the Reliance Foundation Young Champs, providing structured matchdays and regular training exposure.
• Kolasib and Lunglei: These districts will host the District League, starting with 21 matches in the initial round. Each team will play in a three-legged tournament across the U8 to U14 age groups. Following these matches, the Emerging Cup and District Cup competitions will offer up to four additional matches per team, enhancing competitive exposure.

Empowering the Community through Football 

This grassroots initiative goes beyond promoting football. It aims to create a positive impact within the community by focusing on skill development, employment, and capacity building.

• Training Programs: Weekly training and Emerging Talent (ET) sessions will be conducted in Aizawl and Champhai, while Kolasib and Lunglei will see two specialized training camps led by Reliance Foundation coaches.
• Coaching and Refereeing Development: To build local capacity, the initiative includes a Coaching License Programme and skill development workshops over the nine-month period. Last season, 36 referees attended licensing programs and 23 gained a Level 8 License, enhancing the quality of football officiating in the region.

Jeje Lalpekhlua, former Indian football team striker, commented, “It fills me with delight to see more and more young kids from Mizoram taking part in football and receiving quality training sessions from excellent coaches. Over the years, the state has produced several top-quality players who have represented India at the highest levels of international football. The RFYC Naupang League will empower everyone involved, foster the holistic development of the football ecosystem, and pave the way for Mizoram to become a household name in football across the country.”

Lalnghinglova (Tetea) Hmar, Minister of State for Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department, Sport & Youth Services Department, and Excise & Narcotics Department commented, “The RFYC Naupang League has comprehensively addressed all aspects of youth development in Mizoram. The League is helping children build character, discipline, and responsibility. This initiative unites our communities around the shared goal of promoting sports and positive values. We thank the Reliance Foundation and Mizoram Football Association for empowering our young talent.”

Lalrengpuia (Renga), Honorary Secretary of Mizoram Football Association, commented: “The Naupang League has been one of the closest projects to our hearts. With the help of the Reliance Foundation, we are glad to give opportunities to our young, budding talent. Football is an essential part of Mizo culture, and Naupang League has become a glue that holds the community together. We have been fortunate to see its impact over the past two seasons and are hopeful that the third season will create a deeper impact.”

Looking Ahead: Inter-District Championship (IDCH)

The league is set to culminate in a 5-day competition known as the Inter-District Championship in Aizawl, featuring the best teams from all four districts in the U12 and U14 age groups. This finale will serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the young players, coaches, and communities involved.

Through this joint initiative, the Reliance Foundation and the Mizoram Football Association aim to continue fostering a vibrant football culture in Mizoram, building a sustainable pathway for future generations of footballers, and contributing to the overall development of the community.

Season 2 in a nutshell

 The 2023-2024 season ran over eight months across the four districts of Aizawl, Champhai, Lunglei, and Kolasib, seeing the participation of approximately 184 teams with over 2350 boys and girls in the U6, U8, U10, U12, and U14 age groups.

• Apart from ensuring maximum game time for the kids, with 2430 matches, about 300+ coaches and mentors were mobilized through match days.
• 36 referees attended referee licensing sessions, with 23 referees achieving Level 8 licenses.
• RFYC scouts selected around 40 children for a week-long experiential trip to the Reliance Foundation Academy in Mumbai in May 2024.

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