Srinagar, June 24: The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) launched its inaugural Kashmir leg of the U-19 school girls’ football tournament today at Green Valley Education Institute.
This event marks a significant milestone for girls’ football in the region, offering a vital platform for young female athletes to hone their skills and pursue their sporting ambitions.
Eight teams will compete in 15 matches over six days, building on the success of the RFYS 2023-24 Kashmir season held last winter. In that tournament, SRM Welkin HR Secondary School claimed victory in the U-15 category, while the University of Kashmir triumphed in the U-21 division.
Afshan Ashiq, goalkeeper for Jammu and Kashmir’s women’s football team, emphasized the tournament’s importance: “RFYS aims to revolutionize football in Kashmir, especially for U-19 girls. These young athletes often lack sufficient game time. By focusing on playing opportunities, youth coach development, and providing grants, RFYS creates comprehensive development pathways for aspiring footballers.”
Since its 2016 inception, RFYS has impacted nearly nine million students across India. The program’s expansion into Kashmir aligns with its mission to nurture grassroots talent and potentially feed into India’s professional football leagues.
RFYS has already produced notable alumni who have signed professional contracts with ISL and I-League teams, with some representing India internationally. The tournament continues to receive support from coaches, players, educational institutions, football clubs, and state federations, acknowledging its crucial role in developing football talent throughout India.