Reliance Foundation Development League: Mumbai Region Set to Kick Off on December 1

by FC December 1, 2024

The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) is back for its fourth season, with the zonal rounds in Mumbai commencing on December 1, 2024.

Known as the country’s premier developmental football platform, the RFDL will bring six teams together to compete for the regional championship in Mumbai.

About the RFDL

With 54 teams participating across India, the RFDL serves as a structured pathway for nurturing emerging football talent. Over the years, it has established itself as a launchpad for young players, with around 45 alumni transitioning to the Indian Super League (ISL) and many representing the I-League and the national team. Mumbai’s contribution includes notable players like Supratim Das, Narendra Naik, Shubham Bhattacharya, and Sanatomba Singh.

Mumbai Region Overview

The six competing teams for the 2024-25 Mumbai Region are:

• Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) – Last season’s champions.
• MYJ-GMSC – Runners-up from the previous season.
• Mumbai City FC – Third-place finishers.
• MH Oranje FC, Kenkre FC, and Millat FC.

This season, the number of teams has been reduced from nine to six, ensuring more intense and competitive fixtures. Teams will face each other twice in a home-and-away format.

Eligibility Criteria

• Players must be born on or after January 1, 2004.
• Teams can include up to four players born on or after January 1, 2002, with no more than two on the playing XI at a time.

Fixtures for December

Season Expectations

With fewer teams in the fray and a double round-robin format, teams can look forward to more engaging and competitive matches. The defending champions RFYC aim to retain their crown, while Mumbai City looks more favorable for title contender looking at their squad depth while other challengers are determined to upset the balance.

Who will qualify from the Mumbai region for the next stage? Stay tuned to Football Counter for all the updates,coverage of the RFDL 2024-25 season.