ISL 2024-25: 13 Reliance Foundation Starlets roped in by various ISL Clubs; Kerala Blasters, Mohun Bagan among suitors

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The Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) academy is celebrating a significant milestone as its 2024 batch begins to transition into professional football.

This year, thirteen of its graduates have inked deals with clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) and various state leagues, marking their entry into the professional arena.

Among these promising young athletes, five have been signed by the first teams of ISL clubs. Seven other graduates are set to bolster the reserve teams of ISL clubs, demonstrating the depth of talent coming through the ranks at RFYC. Additionally, one player has joined ISL giants Mumbai City with an amateur contract.

Five Players in Senior Teams of ISL Clubs

Alan Saji and Sanatomba Yanglem will join FC Goa, showcasing the academy's ability to produce talents capable of competing at the highest levels. Additionally, Supratim Das has secured a spot with Mumbai City FC, Subham Bhattacharya with Odisha FC, and Priyansh Dubey has joined the ranks of Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Seven Players join ISL Clubs' Reserve Teams

Chennaiyin FC will welcome Karthick Thirumalai and Malhar Mohol; Bengaluru FC will add Prantik Saha and Harsh Palande to their squad; Odisha FC has signed Narendra Naik; Mohammedan SC has brought on Shubhadip Pandit; and Mihir Mohite will be playing for Mumbai City FC. Mihir Mohite has also taken a further step in his career by signing an amateur contract with Mumbai City FC.

These young stars have earned their professional contracts after impressive performances in various competitions, notably the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). Their hard work and dedication have paid off, with a total of 39 RFYC graduates securing professional contracts over recent seasons.

Robert Roelofsen, the Head of Youth Development at RFYC, spoke highly of the graduates, acknowledging their perseverance and the rigorous journey.

"Some of these players have been at RFYC from the start and have had to wait for their moment to shine. Every player has had to work extremely hard to get to the stage they have reached. Their hard work is an example to any young football player looking to make their mark in the professional game in India," Roelofsen said.

Priyansh Dubey of Mohun Bagan speaks

Priyansh Dubey, one of the graduates making waves, has already represented India at the U-20 level, including appearances at the SAFF U-20 Championship and the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers. His journey from the academy to the national team and now to Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a testament to the impact of RFYC on his career.

Dubey expressed his appreciation, saying, "Making my national team debut was a special moment in my career, and RFYC has played a crucial role in that journey. The guidance from experienced coaches and the supportive environment has immensely helped me grow both on and off the field. RFYC has prepared me to compete at the highest level and helped me fulfil my dream of representing India."

RFYC alumni playing for India

Furthermore, Dubey is not alone in his international endeavors. Three other RFYC alumni-Mohammed Sanan and Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh (U-23), along with Aarush Hari (U-17) - have also donned the national colors, representing India in various age-group teams. Sanan currently plays for Jamshedpur FC in the ISL, whereas Shivaldo Singh is currently with Bengaluru FC.