This was the first time the RFDL introduced Pre-Qualifiers for its regional rounds, with several Mumbai-based teams eager to participate but limited slots available. The initiative provided a fair opportunity for aspiring clubs to compete for a place in the competition. The format featured two groups of three teams each, with every team playing two matches. The winners of both groups would qualify for the Regional Qualifiers, joining the four teams nominated by the RFDL Central Team.

Mumbai Ultras had been chasing an opportunity to feature in the RFDL since last season but were unable to secure a place. However, when the opportunity came calling this time, they made sure to knock on the door in style. Drawn in Group B alongside Kenkre FC and Millat FC, Ultras knew they had to deliver in both fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Speaking about the importance of competing in the RFDL and what it means for the club’s young players, Mumbai Ultras senior team head coach Albinus Chettiar highlighted the opportunity to create a clear pathway from grassroots football to the senior level.

“It’s a great opportunity for Mumbai Ultras and for the young players coming through our system. Our objective is to create a clear pathway from grassroots football into senior football from the age of 17–18 onwards. RFDL gives these players the chance to compete, showcase their talent, and develop within the Mumbai Ultras playing identity—the style, values, and footballing DNA we want to see across the club. Ultimately, we want to build a strong pipeline where young players can progress from our youth system into the Elite Division and senior football when they are ready.”

Ultras’ journey through the group stage turned out to be a fairytale, with both matches ending in identical 5-1 victories against Kenkre FC and Millat FC. The results saw them finish Group B with a perfect record, scoring 10 goals and conceding just two. Rohak, Aditya, Raj Vallapi (2), Dhawal Tandel, Krish W, Santosh, Om W (2) and Reiden were among the goalscorers who contributed to the team’s impressive attacking display.

The emphatic results reflected the squad’s attacking depth and ability to execute its plans when it mattered most. With qualification secured, the focus now shifts towards testing themselves against some of the strongest sides in Mumbai.

Head coach Lay Gala was not surprised by the team’s dominant performances, pointing towards the blend of senior-team exposure, reserve-team players and promising talent recruited through trials as key factors behind their success.

“We have few key players who are already training with the seniors, which gave us a lot of confidence to play these qualifiers. Also, adding players from reserves and great talent from the trials gave us a lot of depth in the squad. We were very clear with the plan and the boys were able to execute it very well,” Gala said.

Having players who are already competing for a place in the senior team gives Ultras an advantage they can rely on as the competition progresses. Their familiarity with the demands of senior football, combined with the energy of emerging talent, could prove crucial as they prepare to face stronger opposition in the Regional Qualifiers.

Mumbai Ultras will now compete in the Mumbai Regional Round, where four nominated teams—MH Oranje FC, Reliance FYC, Mumbai City FC and CFCI—will be joined by Young Guns FC, who secured their place after dominating Group A in the Pre-Qualifiers. The Regional Round is scheduled to begin on October 24, with matches set to take place at RCP, Ghansoli.

Moving forward against some of Mumbai’s most formidable sides will be a significant challenge for Ultras. However, their two emphatic victories have provided the confidence and momentum needed to approach the next stage with belief. The team has already shown that it can score goals, maintain its attacking intensity and deliver results under pressure. The bigger test will be sustaining that level against opponents with established youth setups and greater experience in the competition.

Speaking about the challenge ahead, Lay Gala made it clear that his team would not be content with simply participating in the Regional Qualifiers. “The boys are well aware and ready for the challenge. We are not there just to participate but to fight for the top two positions and qualify for the Zonal Round,” he said.

The message within the Mumbai Ultras camp is clear: move forward with pride, compete with belief and get the job done. With a place in the Zonal Round as the target, the team will need to carry its group-stage momentum into a much more demanding phase of the competition.

Ultras also have several players who could make a difference as the stakes rise. Reagan Pereira, a former Mumbai City FC reserve-team player with experience in the RFDL National Round, brings valuable familiarity with the competition and its demands. His experience could prove important in guiding a relatively young squad through the challenges ahead.

Skanda Shankar, a new signing for the Mumbai Ultras senior team, also adds quality to the squad after winning the Mumbai Super League title last season and earning the Best Midfielder accolade. while Dhawal Tandel remains one of the club’s promising attacking talents, capable of making his mark with his instincts inside the box. Raj Vallapi, meanwhile, offers composure in midfield alongside a goal threat, having already scored twice in the Pre-Qualifiers.

With a combination of senior-team experience, emerging talent and a clear ambition to progress, Mumbai Ultras have reasons to believe they can make their presence felt in the Regional Round. However, the challenge ahead will demand consistency, discipline and the ability to deliver when the pressure is at its highest.

As the RFDL Regional Qualifiers get underway on October 24 at RCP, Ghansoli, Mumbai Ultras will look to build on their impressive start and take another step towards their ultimate objective. Their maiden qualification has already marked an important moment for the club, but the players and coaching staff know that the journey is far from over.

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The opening match saw Reliance Foundation Young Champs take on MYJ–GMSC in a tightly fought encounter. Both teams showed good structure and discipline, but clear chances were limited for much of the game. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute, when substitute Viraj Vinay Singh made an immediate impact after coming on in the 60th minute. His well-taken goal secured a 1–0 win for Reliance and a positive start to their campaign.

In the second fixture, Iron Born FC faced MH Oranje FC and produced a solid performance. Iron Born took the lead early in the match through Prasad Mahadeo Sherkane, who scored in the 15th minute. Oranje tried to respond but were unable to find an equaliser, as Iron Born defended well to claim a 1–0 victory in their opening game.

The final match of the day featured Millat FC against Community Football Club India (CFCI) in an engaging contest. CFCI struck early with Ninad Mohite scoring in the 4th minute. They extended their lead late in the game when Shriharsh Madhusudhan Shrirangam Surepalli found the net in the 74th minute. Millat FC pulled one back through substitute Mayur Jadhav in the 84th minute, but CFCI held on to secure a 2–1 win.

Day 1 of the RFDL Mumbai Qualifiers delivered competitive football and encouraging performances from young players. With teams already showing intent and quality, the tournament promises exciting action in the days ahead.

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Mumbai, 12th December 2025: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) launches its fifth season on 15th December in Goa, reaffirming its role as India’s premier U-21 competitive football platform. With over 260 matches played among 54 teams and over 1,800 players competing across nine talent hotbeds, the league continues to fuel India’s footballing pipeline.

Naushad Moosa, Technical Director and Reserves Team Head Coach, NorthEast United FC Reserves said, “RFDL has become the bridge between youth football and the professional level. For many players, these minutes are their first real taste of a competitive environment that mirrors senior expectations, travel, pressure, consistency, and accountability. For me, Season 5 is about seeing who stands out under pressure. I’m excited to see how the boys handle responsibility, how they respond to tough moments, and which players show the mentality required to grow into future national team footballers.”

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The impact of RFDL is already evident at the national level with 21 out of 23 players in the India U-23 squad selected by head coach Naushad Moosa in September 2025 for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers earned valuable competitive minutes through various RFDL seasons, showcasing the league’s significance in increasing the talent pool for the national team and preparing players for international challenges. Moreover, the 54 participating teams represent 17 states and union territories as teams from Jammu & Kashmir make their maiden appearance in the competition. In the Northeast, Manipur will see the return of competitive football while teams from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are part of the mix too.

Season 5 will unfold across four phases:

Regional Qualifiers: 54 teams, 135 matches across nine regions
Zonal Group Stage: 24 teams competing across four groups and 60 matches
National Group Stage: 12 teams in centralised, high-intensity competition across 60 matches
National Championship: Top four teams battling for the title

Aligned with Reliance Foundation’s mission to create a robust football development ecosystem, RFDL provides fair competition, consistent match exposure, and an essential pathway from academies to senior squads and international opportunities.

Season 5 of RFDL aims to raise the bar for youth football in India, offering a competitive, high-quality platform for the country’s rising stars and creating a larger talent pool for the national team.

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The Mariners asserted dominance right from the get-go as they overpowered Classic FA to keep hold of the ball possession in the opening minutes of the game. In the 8th minute, Tamang drew first blood when he smashed in one from the edge of the box to find the top right corner with a spectacular fashion. The opening goal gave Mohun Bagan more confidence to take the driver’s seat in the game and in no time, Tamang scored his second, capitalising on a mistake from the Classic FA defence to make it 2-0. Classic FA did have a chance to pull one back but were left heads-in-hands with lack of finishing touch in the final third.

The second half started in a similar fashion with Mohun Bagan Super Giant dominating the proceedings and Pasang Dorjee Tamang went on to find the back of the net once again, thereby completing his hat-trick. The Mariners’ midfielder picked up on a loose ball and slotted it home to make it 3-0 and seal the deal for his side with a remarkable victory.

The four semi-finalists of the 2024-25 season of RFDL all came from four different states – West Bengal, Manipur, Goa and Jharkhand, showing remarkable depth and quality of the teams in action. Three of the four semi-finalists were the same as the last four in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season i.e. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC. The fourth semi-finalist Classic FA, is the only academy side to progress to the National Championship stage ultimately also sealing their berth in the upcoming Premier League Next Generation Cup presented by Reliance Foundation along with the other three.

The 2024-25 Indian football season, however, has been all about Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s success across different levels. The Mariners’ RFDL victory comes on the back of their senior team famously clinching the Indian Super League Double — League Shield and Cup. Additionally, their U-15 side also claimed the trophy in the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) Kolkata region.

In the third place playoff match earlier on the day, FC Goa edged Jamshedpur FC 1-0 to end their RFDL 2024-25 campaign on a positive note. Saish Gaunkar broke the deadlock for the Gaurs early in the 15th minute, following a low cross from the right flank by Gogocha Chungkham. Jamshedpur showed some resilience in the second half of the game but FC Goa’s defence was mean enough to hold on to their slender lead till the end.

Individual Awards:

Golden Boot: Lawmsangzuala (Jamshedpur FC) – 16 Goals

Golden Glove: Priyansh Dubey (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) – 10 Clean Sheets

Golden Ball: Md. Arbash (Classic FA)

Brief Scores: 

Final: Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Pasang Dorjee Tamang 8′, 22′, 52′) 3 – 0 Classic FA

3rd Place: Jamshedpur FC 0 – 1 FC Goa (Saish Gaunkar 15′)

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Overwhelmed with joy, Coach Singh expressed his happiness, stating, “We are very happy. Sometimes we don’t know how to express in words. But we are really happy, and we are ready for the finals. The players are very humble, and I am really proud of my boys.” His pride in the team’s achievement was evident as they secured a comfortable passage to the championship match.

Reflecting on their dominant performance against FC Goa, where Classic FA controlled the game and limited their opponents’ chances, Coach Singh explained their game plan: “The plan was simple. We always play according to the situation, but our playing style is always attack-oriented, believing that attack is the best form of defense.” He added, “We were a bit lucky to get early goals, which allowed us to be very composed in defense. In the second half, our plan was to counter-attack, and we successfully scored a third goal, so we are happy.”

Looking ahead to the highly anticipated final against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Coach Singh acknowledged the strength of their opponents. “Yeah, they are a very good side,” he admitted. However, he exuded confidence in his team’s readiness, asserting, “But we are ready to face all the challenges, and may the best team win in the final.”

Finally, Coach Singh shared his positive opinion on the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). “Right now, I want to congratulate the RFDL. This is one of the best platforms for young boys to showcase their talent. All the credit goes to RFDL,” he lauded, recognizing the league’s significant contribution to youth football development in India.

With their semi-final victory secured, Classic FA and Coach Chandam Chitrasen Singh are now focused and determined as they prepare for the RFDL final against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, promising an exciting showdown for the championship title on April 14th in Mumbai.

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Classic FA delivered a commanding performance in the second RFDL semi-final, securing a decisive 3-0 victory against FC Goa. From the outset, the Manipuri side asserted their dominance, controlling the flow of the game and creating consistent pressure. Their early efforts paid off at the half-hour mark when a Md. Arbash corner caused chaos in the FC Goa box, allowing Punit Thangjam to pounce and fire home the opening goal.

Just before the break, Classic FA doubled their advantage in spectacular fashion. Once again, Md. Arbash’s corner kick proved lethal, this time curling directly into the net for an exceptional Olympic goal, leaving the FC Goa goalkeeper with no chance. This stunning strike gave Classic FA a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into the second half.

Following the restart, FC Goa attempted to mount a comeback, pushing more players forward and testing the Classic FA defense. However, despite their efforts to penetrate the final third, the young Gaurs struggled to find the crucial finishing touch. Classic FA remained resolute, effectively thwarting FC Goa’s attacking endeavors and maintaining their clean sheet.

In the 78th minute, Classic FA sealed their place in the final with a third goal. Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh capitalized on a defensive error from FC Goa, calmly collecting the ball on the edge of the box before slotting it past the goalkeeper. This decisive goal confirmed Classic FA’s impressive 3-0 victory, setting up an intriguing RFDL final against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on April 14th in Mumbai.

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Despite an early setback, the Mariners’ relentless attack secured their place in the National Championship final.

The match began with a shock for the mariners as Jamshedpur’s Bivan Jyoti Laskar capitalized on a defensive miscue to put the Red Miners ahead in the 13th minute. However, the Mariners responded swiftly and decisively, showcasing their determination to reach the final.

Just five minutes after conceding, Mohun Bagan found their equalizer through a brilliant flying header from Sahil Inamdar, connecting with a well-placed cross. This goal shifted the momentum entirely, and the Kolkata giants seized control of the game. Their relentless pressure soon paid off as Loitongbam Taison Singh expertly slotted home a grounded shot in the 22nd minute, giving Mohun Bagan a well-deserved lead.

The Mariners continued their attacking onslaught, leaving the Jamshedpur FC defense struggling to cope. A swift counter-attacking move culminated in Sandeep Malik finding an unmarked Serto Worneilen Kom inside the box, who calmly slotted home their third goal. Mohun Bagan carried a comfortable 3-1 advantage into the halftime break, showcasing their clinical finishing and dominance.

The second half saw no let-up from Mohun Bagan Super Giant. They maintained their intensity, stifling any attempts from Jamshedpur FC to mount a comeback. Serto Worneilen Kom then produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a stunning long-range strike to make it 4-1. Substitute Shibam Munda added the final flourish in the 78th minute, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory and propelling Mohun Bagan Super Giant into the coveted RFDL National Championship final.

FT: Jamshedpur FC (Bivan Jyoti Laskar 13′) 1 – 5 Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Sahil Inamdar 18′, Serto Worneilen Kom 21′, 72′, Shibam Munda 78′)

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Based out of Imphal, Manipur, the academy has defied expectations to secure a historic berth in the National Championship stage — their maiden entry into the final four of India’s premier U-21 competition. Their rise has captivated scouts and football followers alike, especially for a team that began the campaign with a commanding 5-0 win over Todo United FC and never looked back.

“I’m very happy for the boys and also want to give the credit to RFDL for giving them a platform to improve themselves with highly competitive game time. This will only help in their growth and prepare them for the senior level competitions,” says an elated Chandam Chitrasen Singh, the Head Coach of Classic FA, who has been the mastermind behind the team’s success.

After finishing joint-top in the Rest of India group alongside Jamshedpur FC in the Regional Qualifiers, Classic FA entered the Zonal Group Stage against heavyweights like NorthEast United FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Aizawl FC, and Jamshedpur FC again. Their consistency earned them a second-place finish, punching their ticket to the National Group Stage in Mumbai.

“India is a vast country in terms of the geography and when you travel from Northeast to other places sometimes it feels like traveling to a different country altogether. Coming to Mumbai itself as a challenge for us due to the difference in weather conditions. In that, when you play top clubs from different states like Mohun Bagan and Dempo, whose tempo is naturally high, helps the boys understand the game even better. It’s a very good experience for us to play against teams from different parts of the country,” Chitrasen adds.

With unfamiliar weather and tough opposition, the Manipur-based academy had their mettle tested early, falling to Muthoot FA in the opening match. But what followed was a spirited resurgence — wins over Sreenidi Deccan FC, Dempo SC, Mumbai City FC, and a gritty draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant sealed top spot in Group B. 

But as they say, ‘What doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger,’ the Manipur outfit bounced back with vigour producing back-to-back victories against Sreenidi Deccan FC, Dempo SC, Mumbai City FC followed by a goalless draw on the final day against Mohun Bagan Super Giant that sealed their qualification for the semi-finals. Another exciting prospect for the team apart from a shot at the RFDL National Championship is the qualification for the Premier League Next Generation Cup presented by Reliance Foundation, where Classic FA will take on some quality opposition from the UK’s youth teams.

As the RFDL National Championship knocks on the door, Classic FA gear up to face FC Goa on Thursday, 10th April 2025 at the Reliance Corporate Park in Mumbai. All eyes will be on the Manipuri outfit as they aim for ultimate glory in India’s premier U-21 competition.

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FC Goa started their National Group Stage campaign with back-to-back losses against Diamond Harbour FC and NorthEast United FC. However, they made a remarkable turnaround in the third game, defeating Jamshedpur FC 3-0 and following it up with another convincing win over East Bengal FC. Coming into the game against Kickstart FC, the Gaurs direly needed three points to ensure qualification to the next stage of the competition. 

They started the game on the front foot and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Malsawmtluanga’s corner was improperly cleared by the Kickstart FC defence and Prachit Gaonkar drove it inside the box first time as the ball landed in Vellington Fernandes’ feet and the midfielder made no mistake in scoring from close range. FC Goa received a much-required boost in the game with the lead and showed more intent going forward. On the other hand, Kickstart pushed for an equalizer but couldn’t quite find a proper breakthrough.

The scoreline remained as FC Goa looked all set to pick up the three points and in came Lalthangliana to seal the deal for his side with a second goal in the dying seconds of the game. The midfielder was left unmarked in the attacking third and he went on to dribble and score with a clean strike to make it 2-0, marking a superb comeback from the Gaurs in the competition. FC Goa’s win also meant Jamshedpur FC, at 9 points, made the cut for the National Championship, regardless of their result against Diamond Harbour, as the two sides now await their semi-final opponents from Group B.

In the other match, NorthEast United FC ended their RFDL 2024-25 campaign with a 2-0 win over East Bengal FC. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam opened the scoring for the Highlanders with an acrobatic effort off the rebound, after the East Bengal goalkeeper spilled Huidrom Thoi Singh’s attempt from outside the box. The Red & Gold Brigade had a fair share of chances to level the scores but lacked finishing in the final third. In the end, Fredy Chawngthansanga put the game to bed in the 90th minute scoring NorthEast United’s second goal. The midfielder was left unmarked inside the box and he made the most out of a perfectly-lobbed pass from Gunleiba, to latch the ball into the bottom right corner.

Brief Scores

FC Goa 2 (10′ Vellington Fernandes, 90+6′ Lalthangliana) – Kickstart FC 0

East Bengal FC – NorthEast United FC 2 (68′ Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, 90′ Fredy Chawngthansanga)

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Ahead of the first game between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Muthoot FA, the two sides aimed to maintain their winning momentum having registered wins against Mumbai City FC and Classic FA respectively. The Mariners started the game on the strong foot, capitalising on a mistake from Muthoot FA to take a crucial lead in the game. Their Player of the Match against Mumbai City FC Vian Murgod, pressurized the opposition defence to win the ball in a dangerous position and poked it past the Muthoot FA goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The Kerala-based side got one back before the half-time break when Umer Muhthar brought Abith K B down inside the box and the referee pointed towards the spot. The Muthoot forward coolly placed the ball in the bottom right corner to bring the scores level.

Mohun Bagan, however, looked more robust in the second half and earned a penalty right after the restart when Amandeep was fouled inside the box by Muthoot FA goalkeeper Mohammed Anas while attempting to clear the ball. Leimapokpam Sibajit Singh, who was a livewire in the attack throughout the game, stepped up to take the spot kick and put his side back into the lead by scoring the penalty. The Mariners held on to their slender lead and ensured a 100% record in the competition.

In the afternoon kick-off, Classic FA registered an emphatic 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in their second match of the RFDL 2024-25 National Group Stage. The Telangana-based side had taken an early lead in the 10th minute through Levis Zangminlun. Lalfamkima’s attempt from close range was parried by the Classic FA goalkeeper, but Levis managed to score from the rebound. It wasn’t long before Thangjam Roshan Singh setup Bharat Lairenjam inside the box in the 22nd minute. The latter made no mistake in tapping it in and making it 1-1 as the two sides headed into the break.

Late drama ensued in the game when Sreenidi substitute Embokhlang Nongkhlaw made the most out of a piercing through ball from Jay Paominlal Singson to give Sreenidi the lead again in the 85th minute. But Classic FA came all cylinders firing in the remaining minutes of the game to produce a remarkable turnaround. Md. Arbash’s free-kick in the first minute of stoppage time was spilled by the Sreenidi goalkeeper and Blessing Keishing was in the right place at the right time to smash home the equalizer.

The Manipur-based side, full of confidence after the equalizing goal, produced a late wave of attack causing trouble to the Sreenidi goalkeeper. Captain Yendrembam Rohit Singh managed to poke the ball in following a melee inside the box to make it 3-2 and win it for his side deep into the stoppage time.

After the game, Sreenidi Deccan FC Reserves Team Head Coach Alvaro Mota quoted, “We have a very young squad here with an average age of 18. Our goalkeeper today is just 16. So the key for our side is to learn from mistakes and not repeat them. Today was a tough loss for us. I need to credit our opponents, Classic FA, for hanging in there and not giving up till the end. We tried to put up a good show and correct our markings. But the boys will learn a lot from this experience.”

Earlier on Wednesday, NorthEast United registered a narrow 1-0 win over FC Goa to grab their first three points of the RFDL National Group Stage. The Highlanders, though, left it late to take the lead in the game. Following a short corner, skipper Fredy Chawngthansanga delivered a pinching cross into the box and Mukul Panwar headed it onto Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam who was through on goal. The midfielder comfortably took a touch and beat the FC Goa goalkeeper from close range to win it for NorthEast United FC.

Brief Scores
FC Goa 0 – NorthEast United FC 1 (70’ Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam)

Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2 (20’ Vian Murgod, 49’ Leimapokpam Sibajit Singh (P)) – Muthoot FA 1 (34’ Abith B K (P))

Sreenidi Deccan FC 2 (10′ Levis Zangminlun, 85′  Embokhlang Nongkhlaw) – Classic FA 3 (22′ Bharat Lairenjam, 90+1′ Blessing Keishing, 90+5′  Yendrembam Rohit Singh)

Fixtures
Saturday | 29th March 2025
8:00 AM | Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United FC

4:00 PM | Kickstart FC vs Diamond Harbour FC

7:00 PM | FC Goa vs East Bengal FC

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