Northeast Desk, 4th May: In a significant recognition of football talent from Sikkim, four promising young players have been granted full scholarships at the prestigious Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) academy. RFYC, hailed as the nation’s first and only 5-Star rated residential academy under the ‘Academy Accreditation Programme’ of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), handpicked 54 talented youngsters from across India for this coveted scholarship opportunity.
Among the chosen few, Prabhat, Ishan, Soham, and Dipankar, hailing from Sikkim, showcased their skills and determination during the rigorous selection trials held on December 18 and 19, 2023, at Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi and TNA Ground. The trials, meticulously overseen by RFYC’s Head of Scouting, Stephen Charles, and Regional Scout Rohan Raj Pradhan, along with dedicated volunteer coaches, Gyalon Lepcha, Kesang Bhutia, and Sovnir Pradhan, identified these exceptional talents.
The RFYC academy, based in Mumbai, operates with a vision to nurture young footballers by providing them with an environment of excellence to unlock their potential both on and off the pitch. Currently hosting 88 children from across the country across various age groups (U14, U15, U16, U17, and Under 19), RFYC aims to groom the next generation of football stars. With its 5-Star rating under the AIFF’s Academy Accreditation Programme and a 2-Star rating by the Asian Football Confederation under its ‘Elite Youth Scheme’, RFYC stands as a beacon of excellence in youth football development, offering unparalleled opportunities for aspiring talents.