Mehrajuddin Wadoo Former Indian Footballer Hails RFYS 2024-25 as Key Platform for Emerging Football Talent in Kashmir

Former Indian footballer Mehrajuddin Wadoo believes that the ongoing Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) 2024-25 in Kashmir provides an excellent opportunity to identify players ready to compete outside the region. This marks the second year of the RFYS football tournament in the Union Territory, and Wadoo is optimistic about the impact it will have on local football talent.

Reflecting on last year’s success, Wadoo expressed his excitement for the current season. He highlighted the growing enthusiasm among young players eager to showcase their skills, noting the significant improvements in the level of competition. “The tournament last year was a huge success, and the response from players was overwhelming. It gave the youth a valuable platform to play competitive football. This season promises to be even more impactful as players are eagerly awaiting their chance,” Wadoo shared in an interview with RFYS.

Wadoo also emphasized the importance of women’s participation in the tournament, particularly in the U-19 girls’ category. He noted that several female players have the potential to make it to professional clubs and even represent the national team. However, he stressed that proper training and continued participation in such competitions are essential for their development. “It was fantastic to see girls playing last year. The finals showcased some players with immense potential who could play at higher levels with the right coaching. These players must continue to compete to improve further,” he said.

One of Wadoo’s key takeaways from his experience was the need for improved coaching standards in Kashmir. He pointed out that while the RFYS tournament provides valuable competitive exposure for both boys and girls, enhancing the quality of coaching would be crucial to fully unlock the potential of local players. “The competition is excellent, but what we need most is better quality coaching. RFYS is creating opportunities for both boys and girls, but we must focus on raising the standards of coaching to help players reach their full potential,” he explained.

In the ongoing U-15 boys’ tournament, several teams have already registered impressive victories. SRM Welkin School, Lonestar Football Academy, GHFC Ganderbal, Green Valley Educational Institute, and JK Public School have all emerged victorious in their respective matches, showcasing the high level of competition in the region.

The RFYS football tournament, now in its seventh season, is being held across 10 regions, including Mumbai, Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kolkata, and Kashmir. The matches in Kashmir began on December 21, marking the second year of the competition in the region. This year, a total of 32 teams—across both boys’ and girls’ categories—are participating, with the games played in a league format.

Launched in 2016, the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) initiative aims to provide a structured platform for school and college students to showcase their footballing talents. Over the years, RFYS has helped numerous athletes, such as Melroy Assisi, Hira Mondal, Makan Winkle Chote, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, and Shilky Devi Hemam, progress to professional contracts with Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League clubs, and some have even represented India on the international stage.

Reliance Foundation’s sports initiatives have impacted the lives of approximately 23 million young people across India since 2013. By partnering with schools, colleges, clubs, and academies, the foundation is working to nurture talent and advance Indian football at all levels. The foundation also focuses on ensuring equal opportunities for female athletes, providing them with ample platforms to grow and succeed in sports.

Reliance Foundation’s other football-related projects include the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, the RFYC Naupang League, and the Reliance Foundation Development League, all aimed at strengthening grassroots football in India.