Under this partnership, the existing AIFF Junior League framework will continue to serve as the primary qualification route, with regional rounds leading into the national stage. DSF will further elevate the competition at the national level by introducing a range of developmental initiatives. These include performance analysis programs, educational workshops for players, coaches, and support staff, as well as live streaming of matches on FanCode to increase visibility for emerging talent.

As part of this integration, the national finals of the U16 AIFF Junior League will now incorporate the Dream Sports Championship (DSC) branding, marking a new phase in youth football development in India.

Dream Sports Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dream Sports—India’s leading sports technology company—has already played a key role in youth football through its independently run Dream Sports Championship. Over the past two seasons, the platform has produced tangible results, with 14 players progressing to represent India at youth levels. Notably, nine players were part of the SAFF U19 Championship-winning squad in 2025, while several others have earned call-ups to U20 teams and even made their Indian Super League debuts.

Speaking on the partnership, DSF CEO Neel Shah highlighted the opportunity to expand their impact, stating that aligning with AIFF allows them to merge structured competition with meaningful developmental support. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan also emphasised the importance of such collaborations, especially at a time when youth football in India is witnessing increased participation and success at international levels, including qualification for the AFC U17 Asian Cup.

The partnership represents a step forward in building a more unified and effective pathway for young players in India. By integrating competition with development-focused initiatives, AIFF and DSF aim to create a stronger foundation for the next generation of Indian footballers, ensuring they have the exposure, support, and opportunities needed to progress to higher levels of the game.

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The group stage features 35 teams, divided into eight groups of four teams and one group of three teams. The nine group winners will join host Assam, defending champions West Bengal, and last season’s runners-up Kerala to complete the 12-team Final Round lineup.

Below are the officially announced group fixtures and where they are going to be hosted:

GROUP A – Mahilpur, Punjab

Teams: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab
December 15: Jammu & Kashmir vs Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh vs Punjab
December 17: Himachal Pradesh vs Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh vs Punjab
December 19: Ladakh vs Himachal Pradesh, Punjab vs Jammu & Kashmir

GROUP B – Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Teams: Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
December 16: Uttarakhand vs Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh vs Haryana
December 18: Haryana vs Uttarakhand, Chandigarh vs Uttar Pradesh
December 20: Chandigarh vs Haryana, Uttarakhand vs Uttar Pradesh

GROUP C – Delhi

Teams: Bihar, Jharkhand, Railways, Delhi
December 15: Bihar vs Railways, Jharkhand vs Delhi
December 17: Railways vs Jharkhand, Delhi vs Bihar
December 19: Bihar vs Jharkhand, Delhi vs Railways

GROUP D – Agartala, Tripura

Teams: Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura
December 15: Mizoram vs Nagaland, Manipur vs Tripura
December 17: Nagaland vs Manipur, Tripura vs Mizoram
December 19: Manipur vs Mizoram, Nagaland vs Tripura

GROUP E – Shillong, Meghalaya

Teams: Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh
December 19: Meghalaya vs Sikkim
December 21: Sikkim vs Arunachal Pradesh
December 23: Arunachal Pradesh vs Meghalaya

GROUP F – Narainpur, Chhattisgarh

Teams: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana
December 22: Odisha vs Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh vs Telangana
December 24: Telangana vs Odisha, Madhya Pradesh vs Chhattisgarh
December 26: Madhya Pradesh vs Telangana, Chhattisgarh vs Odisha

GROUP G – Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

Teams: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
December 17: Andaman & Nicobar vs Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh vs Pondicherry
December 19: Tamil Nadu vs Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry vs Andaman & Nicobar
December 21: Andaman & Nicobar vs Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry vs Tamil Nadu

GROUP H – Bengaluru, Karnataka

Teams: Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Services
December 20: Goa vs Services, Karnataka vs Lakshadweep
December 22: Lakshadweep vs Goa, Services vs Karnataka
December 24: Lakshadweep vs Services, Goa vs Karnataka

GROUP I – Jaipur, Rajasthan

Teams: Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
December 17: Gujarat vs Maharashtra, DNH & DD vs Rajasthan
December 19: Maharashtra vs DNH & DD, Rajasthan vs Gujarat
December 21: DNH & DD vs Gujarat, Maharashtra vs Rajasthan

FINALS IN ASSAM

The final round will be played in Dhakuakhana and Dhemaji in Assam. This will be the first time in over a decade that the state hosts the concluding stage of the prestigious national tournament.

With a mix of historic powerhouses and rising state teams, the 2025–26 Santosh Trophy promises high-quality football and a thrilling fight for one of India’s oldest and most respected titles.

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The biggest amendments came in Article 25.3(c) and 25.3(d). These new rules state that:
• If a person holds a position in the AIFF’s Executive Committee, they will automatically lose any post they hold in a state association.
• No one can hold an elected role in both the national federation and a state body at the same time.

These reforms are meant to prevent conflicts of interest and bring more transparency to Indian football administration.

After the meeting, the AIFF said:

“The AIFF Constitution is now in accordance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the framework recommended by Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao. With this, a matter pending since 2017 stands conclusively resolved.”

Out of 27 members who attended the meeting, 24 voted in favour of the amendments. A few state associations raised concerns, but the majority supported the changes.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said he felt relieved that the long-pending issue was finally settled:

“I am happy and relieved that AIFF now has a constitution that fulfils the requirements of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. I thank the member associations and the Supreme Court for making this possible.”

Although the amendments have been approved, their full implementation will begin in September 2026, as allowed by the Supreme Court. The AIFF also retains the power to introduce future changes to the constitution without needing fresh approval.

These long-awaited reforms bring clarity and stability to AIFF’s governance structure — a crucial step toward improving football administration and rebuilding trust in the system.

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During an online meeting with club officials and captains on Wednesday, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey explained the situation clearly, saying:

“If we get legal direction by November 29, we have more than a month to complete the procedures… Whether we have to re-tender, revise the tender or whatever is required, it will be done after directions from the Court.”

He also addressed concerns about the tight calendar, adding:

“We can have multi-city matches, maybe three or four in a day if needed. Finishing 180 matches in 150 days is logical, not impossible.”

The delays began after the ISL’s commercial rights tender received no bids, leaving clubs without clarity and forcing several of them to pause training. Players and staff have been worried about schedules, contracts, and the long-term impact on Indian football.

The AIFF will submit its report to the Supreme Court before the end of the month, after which a final decision on the league’s commercial rights will be made. If things go as planned, the ISL will kick off between January and May 2026.

For now, clubs, players, and fans are hoping the new year marks the long-awaited return of India’s top league and a much-needed step toward stability in Indian football.

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With the ISL yet to kick off due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the league’s commercial rights and future structure, players have expressed growing concern about the delay and its impact on their careers and livelihoods.

“This is a plea to all those involved in running our sport in the country, to do whatever it takes to get the football season underway. India needs its competitive football now more than ever,” the players said in a collective message and many of them have made a video or post regarding it and posted it on social media.

The situation has left hundreds of players, coaches, and support staff in limbo, with clubs suspending training and operations as they await clarity from the AIFF. The delay has also raised concerns about India’s footballing progress, as the ISL serves as the country’s top professional league and a vital platform for developing talent.

Players have highlighted that the uncertainty not only affects their income and stability but also threatens to undo years of progress made in professionalizing Indian football. The appeal reflects the shared frustration and urgency felt across the football community.

As things stand, the AIFF is yet to announce the next steps for the league. Players, fans, and clubs now await a clear decision and the one that could determine the immediate future of Indian football and ensure that the sport continues to grow.

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The post Indian Footballers Unite, Urge AIFF to Resolve ISL Uncertainty and Restart Season appeared first on Football Counter.

Accreditation is more than a certification — it determines direct entry into the AIFF Youth Leagues. Academies with four and five stars, along with ISL and I-League youth setups, gain direct qualification, while others must compete through qualifying rounds.

Five-Star Accredited Academies

• Bengaluru FC
• Reliance Foundation Young Champs
• Punjab FC

Four-Star Accredited Academies

• Alchemy International FA
• FC Madras
• Minerva Academy FC
• Jamshedpur FC

Three-Star Accredited Academies

• Adrenaline Sports
• ARA FC
• Altius International Football Academy
• Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools – Delhi
• Community Football Club India
• Corbett FC
• Don Bosco Vaduthala
• First Kick School of Soccer Academy
• FC Mangalore
• Football 4 Change Academy
• Kenkre FC
• Mumbai City FC
• Maharashtra Oranje FC
• MUM – D’souza Football Academy
• PFC Kerala
• Sreenidhi Deccan FC
• South United
• SSE BFC Soccer Schools (Mumbai)
• Sports Mania
• Roots Football Club
• Somaiya Sports Academy
• Techtro Lucknow FC
• Zinc Football Academy

Two-Star Accredited Academies

• The Soccer Academy (TSA)
• SESA Football Academy
• Mumbai Soccer Prodigies
• Conscient Football
• PUNE-UKM Kothrud FC
• Muthoot Football Academy
• Snigmay Pune Football Club
• Bidhannagar Municipal Sports Academy
• SKM Sports Foundation (Kalna)
• Bravo Football
• Adamas United Sports Academy
• Classic Football Academy
• Conscient Football Mumbai
• Hungry Hearts Soccer School
• Bengal Football Academy
• FC Marina Academy, Chennai
• Murugappa Youth Football Academy
• Thane City FC
• AC Milan Academy Kerala
• Dempo Sports Club
• Pehlum Lamhil Lawm
• Thadam FC
• FC Goa
• Sethu, Madurai
• Numaligarh Refinery Limited Football Academy
• North East United FC
• Raman Sports Academy
• KFTC Football Academy Kozhikode
• Kickstart FC Karnataka
• Football School of India – Mumbai
• BBFS Shillong
• Snipers Football Club
• United Sports Club
• Regular Football Coaching Center
• East Bengal FC
• Artz N India Football Club, Dindigul
• Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• Namdhari Sports Academy
• Aazura Football Academy
• Brothers Sports Association
• Vels Football Club
• RKM Football Academy
• The Sports School
• ASUFII FA
• Inter Kashi
• FC Tamilions
• Sportiqo Football Academy
• Bangalore City FC
• Belgaum United Football Academy
• Gokulam Kerala FC
• Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy
• Elite FA
• The Soccer Academy
• FC Madurai
• Sirukalathur Galatipet Football Club
• Rising Pune FC
• Reeds FC
• 4 For All Football Academy
• Panihati Fashion Zone Football Academy
• Pune Pioneers FC
• Shillong Lajong FC
• TYDA
• Bhawanipore FC
• Dream Big Soccer School India, Karur
• SP Football Academy
• Great Goals
• Savvy Swaraaj FC, Ahmedabad
• TLT Sports Academy
• Conscient Football Bangalore
• Kerala Blasters FC
• Nova Football Club
• Sportto Soccer Club
• Real Kashmir FC

One-Star Accredited Academies

• POLOI Football Club
• Sanjeevan Sports Academy
• Rudra FC
• A & N Soccer School
• SAIL Football Academy, Bokaro
• India Rush Soccer Club
• Little Star Academy
• Yazhi Football Club
• Northern United Football Club
• Kodagu FC
• Infocus Sports Academy
• SP One Foundation
• Sporthood FC
• Sang-Gai Heroes
• New Football Club Kerala
• Lucknow Falcons Football Club
• Raman Vijayan Soccer School
• Sadar Hills FA
• Rebels FC
• Kahaani Football Club
• South Dumdum Municipal Sports Academy
• Stemfield Football Club, Jabalpur
• Oscar Foundation – Mumbai
• Puzhal Football Coaching Association
• Alpha Sports Academy
• Mahogany FC
• Chikim FA
• Lamka FA
• Muvanlai Athletics
• City FC Pune
• Athlead Football Club
• Nashik Juniors Football Club

The AIFF Academy Accreditation Programme continues to raise the bar for youth football in India by setting transparent benchmarks and rewarding academies that invest in structured development. From elite five-star setups to one-star grassroots academies, the programme provides a roadmap for growth, inclusion, and professionalism. With this updated list, AIFF strengthens the foundation of Indian football and ensures that young players across the country have access to well-regulated pathways that prepare them for the next level of the game.

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The post AIFF Accredited Academies 2025-26: Full Updated List appeared first on Football Counter.

The tournament kicks off on October 25, with two exciting fixtures: East Bengal FC take on Real Kashmir FC, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant face Chennaiyin FC. These opening encounters already promise high intensity, with some of Indian football’s most celebrated clubs going head-to-head.

The following days feature a mix of historic rivalries and fresh matchups. Clubs like FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters, and Mumbai City FC are all set to showcase their best football, while emerging teams like Inter Kashi, Rajasthan United FC, and Gokulam Kerala FC aim to make their mark in the competition.

Fans will also be treated to classic encounters such as Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC on October 31, a fixture that continues to be one of the most watched and fiercely contested clashes in Indian football.

Fixtures for the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26:

October 25: East Bengal FC vs Real Kashmir FC
October 25: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Chennaiyin FC
October 26: NorthEast United FC vs Inter Kashi
October 26: FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC
October 27: Punjab FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC
October 27: Hyderabad FC vs Mumbai City FC
October 28: Chennaiyin FC vs East Bengal FC
October 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Real Kashmir FC
October 29: Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United FC
October 29: FC Goa vs Inter Kashi
October 30: Bengaluru FC vs Mohammedan Sporting Club
October 30: Rajasthan United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC
October 31: Real Kashmir FC vs Chennaiyin FC
October 31: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal FC
November 1: Inter Kashi vs Jamshedpur FC
November 1: FC Goa vs NorthEast United FC
November 2: Mohammedan Sporting Club vs Punjab FC
November 2: Gokulam Kerala FC vs Bengaluru FC
November 3: Rajasthan United FC vs Mumbai City FC
November 3: Kerala Blasters FC vs Hyderabad FC
November 5: Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC
November 5: Gokulam Kerala FC vs Mohammedan Sporting Club
November 6: Rajasthan United FC vs Hyderabad FC
November 6: Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters FC

While the fixtures for the group and league stages have been confirmed, the dates for the knockout matches will be announced later, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next phase of the tournament.

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lost to

Classic Football Academy 2 (Ningthoukhongjam Rishi 49’, Ahongshangbam Samson 56’)

GOA: Classic Football Academy made the best use of the set piece moves to retain the AIFF U17 Elite Youth League 2023-24 title, defeating Sudeva Delhi FC 2-1 at the Nagoa Panchayat Ground, Goa, on Saturday, May 25, 2024. All the goals came in the second half.

Played on the well-maintained turf of Nagoa in Goa, the two teams dished out a lively display of attacking football, much to the delight of the sparse crowd. Classic Football Academy were definitely the better side and were the deserving winners in the end. On the other hand, Sudeva were no easy losers and created more than one opportunity that could have altered the result of the game.

But then, Classic, the team from Manipur, were more forthright in their approach and it made the difference. After a barren first half, Classic opened the scoring in the 49^th minute when they converted off a corner kick from the left. The ball came floating inside the six-yard box and Ningthoukhongjam Rishi jumped in the air to head home.

Given the Classic’s approach to set pieces, the Delhi side should have been more careful, but they didn’t learn from the mistake. Seven minutes later, they once again committed the error of allowing Ahongshangbam Samson enough space with another corner kick. This time the ball came from the right and Samson evaded his marker to find the target with a simple header.

Sudeva were not ready to take things lying down and pulled one back in the 60^th minute. A combined move from the right saw Ginminhao Khongsai cross inside the area for substitute Gaurav Kumar to head in.

The game turned interesting thereafter, with Sudeva making all efforts to restore parity. But Classic, with a strong defence and a bit of luck here and there, held on to their lead till the end. In between, they, too, had their chances, but Sudeva custodian Junaid Hamid played with lots of confidence to defy the Classic attackers.

The post Classic Football Academy bag AIFF U17 Elite Youth League 2023-24 title appeared first on Football Counter.

lost to 

Reliance Foundation Young Champs 0 (4)

AMRITSAR: Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RYFC) defeated Football 4 Change Academy 4-2 on penalties to become the champions of the AIFF Junior League 2023-24 at the Guru Nanak stadium in Amritsar on Saturday, May 25, 2024. 

The regulation time ended goalless, leading to the tie-breaker. RFYC goalkeeper Abhinand PB emerged as the hero of the evening, saving two penalties in the shootout.

In the semi-finals, while Football for Change Academy (F4C) defeated Alchemy International FA 2-2 (4-2), Reliance Foundation Young Champs showcased their dominance by routing FC, Madras, 4-0.

The match began on a promising note,as Arjun Devendra Singh of RFYC took a powerful shot in the 15th minute. The effort was credible, but goalkeeper Thanggoumang Haokip made an impressive full-length dive to his right, making a crucial save to keep the score level.

In the 23rd minute, Kamgouhao Doungel from Football for Change Academy took a fine header from inside the box. However, despite his excellent efforts, the ball went wide of the target. Two minutes later, RFYC’s Atul B Pulipra stepped up to take a free kick, but his effort lacked precision and sailed over the bar.

In the 27th minute, F4C’s Thangboimang Singsit took a free kick. This time the shot was right on target, but RFYC goalkeeper Abhinand PB was alert and managed to block it.

As the first half progressed, RFYC’s Rajkumar Sharungbam made a decisive move in the 37th minute. He skillfully passed the ball to Shadhil EK, who found some space inside the box. Shadhil took the shot, but it was straight at the keeper, who made a comfortable save.

In the closest chance of the match in the 74^th minute, Football for Change Academy’s Satlenchung Kipgen made a brilliant run down the left flank. He manoeuvred past two defenders and set up Shadhil for a shot. Shadhil took his position and fired at the goal from inside the box, but the shot narrowly missed the target.

In the 81^st minute, Football for Change Academy coach Hangkhanlian Suantak received marching orders.

In the tie-breaker, while Arjun Devendra Singh, Pritom Brahma, Faris A and Atul B Pulipra scored for Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Football 4 Change could score only twice through Chonminngam Khongsai and Thangboimang Singsit. Abhinand saved the shots from Seiginhao Khongsai and Jangginlen Vaiphei to give his team the title. 

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In attendance were AIFF Acting Secretary General Mr. M. Satyanarayan, members of the Committee, Mr. K Neibou Sekhose, Mr. Hiren Gogoi, Mr. Harjinder Singh and Mr. Mohd. Shahid.

Welcoming the members, Mr. Prabhakaran said, “The 2023-24 season had been very active and we were able to organise several men’s and women’s national championships in all age groups. In addition to the existing tournaments, we also introduced the U20 Men’s National football championship for the first time, which turned out to be a huge success in Chhattisgarh. We expect the coming season will bring us bigger successes at the domestic front which will be culminate into positive results in the international arena.”

The Committee which discussed at length on some of the eligibility criteria for participation in National Championships recommended that permanent residents of a Member Association will be allowed to represent the same, subject to completion of three years of residence in the MA territory supported by valid documents.

The Committee recommended that maximum of four outstation players will be allowed to be registered by an MA for the National Football Championships (NFCs).

The Committee further proposed that the newly introduced U20 National Football Championships which recently concluded, will henceforth be organised on a tier based format.

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