Reliance Foundation Development League

The Reliance Foundation Development League is India's first developmental football league organised by Reliance Foundation in technical support with AIFF and Youth League.[1] A total of eight teams participated in the first tournament which was held in Goa from 15 April to 12 May 2022.[2] The reserve teams of Indian Super League clubs Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC joined the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) for the inaugural edition. The league was founded to offer opportunities to the young players across the country.[3]

Reliance Foundation Development League
Organising bodiesReliance Foundation
All India Football Federation
FoundedApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
CountryIndia
Number of teams8
International cup(s)Next Gen Cup
Current championsBengaluru FC (1st title)
Most championshipsBengaluru FC (1 title)
Current: 2022

Background

In June 2021 it was proposed by the organisers of ISL after a meeting with the CEOs of all the ISL clubs, that a new developmental league, called Reliance Foundation Development League, would be introduced in 2022.[4] This new league would consist of the youth and reserve teams of all the ISL clubs, with aim to develop young players as there has been limited number of competitions and leagues outside the ISL since the pandemic. The teams would predominantly feature U-21 players with few overage players allowed as well.[5] The inaugural season of the proposed two-month league will be held in Goa inside a bio-secure bubble between January and March, following the same medical and safety procedures for 2021–22 ISL season, but got postponed to April 15.[6]

Qualification

The top-two teams in the league will play in the 2022 Next Gen Cup to be held in United Kingdom.[7]

Format

Each team will play seven matches again each other on a single round basis.[8]

Player selection
  • born after January 1, 2001
  • permission to include five players born on or after January, 1999, no more than three players are allowed in the playing XI
  • maximum of 24 players
  • no foreign nationals

Teams

References
  1. "Seven Hero ISL clubs to join RFYC in inaugural Reliance Foundation Development League from April 15". 7 April 2022.
  2. "All you need to know about the RF Development League 2022". 8 April 2022.
  3. "Seven Hero ISL clubs to join RFYC in inaugural Reliance Foundation Development League from April 15". 7 April 2022.
  4. Bangde, Arjun (30 June 2021). "ISL to propose a new league for reserve and U-21 players". Football Counter. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  5. Marcus Mergulhao (30 June 2021). "ISL proposes new league for reserve, U-21 players | Goa News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  6. "Hygiene officers and four sets of training protocols - What could be the 'new normal' during ISL 2020-21? | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  7. "Seven Hero ISL clubs to join RFYC in inaugural Reliance Foundation Development League from April 15". 7 April 2022.
  8. "Seven Hero ISL clubs to join RFYC in inaugural Reliance Foundation Development League from April 15". 7 April 2022.
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