Rising Stars Shine Bright: RFYC Bag A Brace With Two Graduates Signing Professional Contracts in ISL

The Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) has proven to be a great platform for some of the most promising footballing talents across the country.
Carefully scouted every year, the youngsters undergo a comprehensive training regime through a multi-year program before which they graduate and set foot in their professional careers.
This year, a couple of such graduates have embarked on their respective senior careers, namely: Nathan Rodrigues and Franklin Nazareth. The two of them have put pen to paper on deals with the incumbent Indian Super League (ISL) League Shield Winners Mumbai City FC.
Both Nathan and Franklin joined the RFYC ranks in 2019 and underwent a holistic transformation in their playing styles during their time at the academy. Nathan had started as a midfielder but transitioned into a centre-back as time progressed. On the other hand, the coaches gave Franklin a crucial role at the centre of the park.
“In RFYC, we are not put under pressure to get promoted to the ISL first teams. You can purely focus on your development to get better and then look at a contract at the end of the graduating year. The focus is very clear and the coaching staff will help you to develop comprehensively here,” Franklin says about the RFYC setup.
RFYC participates in several club tournaments across the country with specific age groups even undertaking exposure tours to international destinations occasionally. They made it to the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) in May and finished in the top four amongst over 60 teams that participated in the second edition of the competition.
In fact, Nathan was scouted by the Islanders during one of the Young Champs’ games against Mumbai City FC during the National Group Stage in Mumbai. Making a comeback after a year-long layoff due to a knee injury, Nathan made heads turn with his performance against Mumbai. He is tipped to be a top centre-back in the future given that he possesses all the skillsets required in a modern-day defender.
“In that game, I remember I mostly like to play the ball, like keeping the ball and helping build up the play. I did very well like from the back to taking my chances and moving the ball up through the middle to the striker. I did very well in that match and also in long balls, defending and winning aerial duels,” Nathan recalls.
Meanwhile, Sandro Salami, the Head of Youth Development at RFYC, has encouraged both the boys to keep their heads on their shoulders as they embark on their respective professional careers. Salami maintains that RFYC trains youngsters to adapt to different playing styles pretty comfortably and hence his message to the duo is to enter the arena of senior-level football with an open mind.
“My advice is they are still young. They have made it, taking the first step in their professional careers. Now they should look to cement their place in the team and get regular playing time. I keep telling that to young players, head on the shoulders, feet on the ground, keep chasing your dream and that’s how you keep progressing in professional football. Nothing is concrete, so keep chasing your dreams always,” Salami says.
Also Read: Mumbai City FC sign two talents from Reliance Foundation Young Champs
Also Read: Carlos Martinez signs as FC Goa’s new foreign striker
Hashu Advani Centennial Cup / Local Football
Union Bank of India clinch Inaugural Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Union Bank of India defeated Kalina Rangers in the final to clinch the inaugural edition of Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Mumbai Super League: Mumbai Ultras & Waves FC secure crucial wins to shake up the standings
On Day 2 of the Mumbai Super League final round, Mumbai Ultras and Waves FC picked up vital victories against Brothers WA and Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP), respectively, setting the…
South United FC announces Trials for their Residential Academy
South United Football Club (SUFC) announces the upcoming trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held at the Club’s Ulsoor facility in Bengaluru.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League: Mohd. Khatib’s late equalizer rescues a Point for MH Oranje FC against Mumbay FC
MH Oranje FC salvaged a dramatic late equalizer in the dying seconds of added time as Mohd. Khatib’s strike deep into the injury time denied Mumbay FC all three points…
FC Goa break 13-game-long winless run against Mumbai City FC with 3-1 victory
FC Goa defeated Mumbai City FC by 3-1 at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 to break their 13-game-long winless run against the Islanders in…
Reliance Foundation Young Champs crowned regional champions with 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association
Reliance Foundation Young Champs grabbed an impressive 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association in the regional final of Dream Sports Championship’s Mumbai leg at the Cooperage Football Stadium on Friday….
Mumbai Super League-Final Round: Nihal Colaco Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick for MSP while Waves & Brothers Drew
The Mumbai Super League Final Round got underway with contrasting results in both fixtures. Nihal Colaco’s second half hat-Trick helps MSP with 3-0 win while Waves & Brothers settle for a draw
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…