The Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) academy is celebrating a significant milestone as its 2024 batch of graduates makes the leap into professional football. This year, thirteen players from RFYC have secured contracts with clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) and various state leagues, marking the start of their professional careers and highlighting RFYC’s role as a top source of emerging talent in Indian football.
Five of these talented players have joined ISL first teams, while seven others will strengthen the reserve squads of ISL clubs, showcasing RFYC’s success in developing skilled players ready for the professional stage. Additionally, one graduate has signed an amateur contract with ISL club Mumbai City FC, reflecting the range of pathways RFYC has created for its players to gain exposure at high levels of competition.
Among the standout players, Alan Saji and Sanatomba Yanglem will join FC Goa, demonstrating RFYC’s ability to produce talent equipped for top-tier football. Supratim Das has secured a place at Mumbai City FC, while Subham Bhattacharya will be part of Odisha FC, and Priyansh Dubey has joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Chennaiyin FC will welcome Karthick Thirumalai and Malhar Mohol, while Bengaluru FC has signed Prantik Saha and Harsh Palande. Other placements include Narendra Naik at Odisha FC, Shubhadip Pandit with Mohammedan SC, and Mihir Mohite, who also joins Mumbai City FC with an amateur contract.
This latest group of graduates has earned their contracts following impressive performances in various tournaments, especially in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). Their dedication and hard work reflect RFYC’s commitment to nurturing young talent and preparing them for professional opportunities. In total, RFYC now has 39 graduates who have secured professional contracts, underscoring the academy’s impact on Indian football.
RFYC’s Head of Youth Development, Robert Roelofsen, praised the graduates’ journey and perseverance, recognizing the hard work that brought them to this level. "Some of these players have been with us since the beginning, waiting for their chance to shine. Each player has had to work tremendously hard to reach this stage, and their dedication serves as an example to any young footballer aspiring to turn professional in India," Roelofsen shared.
One of the highlights among this group is Priyansh Dubey, who has already represented India at the U-20 level, participating in the SAFF U-20 Championship and the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Dubey acknowledged the role RFYC played in his journey, stating, "Making my national team debut was a special moment, and RFYC was instrumental in that journey. The experienced coaching and supportive environment have been invaluable in helping me grow on and off the field. RFYC has prepared me to compete at the highest level and fulfill my dream of representing India."
Dubey is not the only RFYC graduate to earn a spot on the national stage. Three other alumni—Mohammed Sanan and Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh at the U-23 level, and Aarush Hari at U-17—have also represented India in international tournaments. Sanan currently plays for Jamshedpur FC in the ISL, while Shivaldo Singh is with Bengaluru FC, illustrating the academy’s influence on both domestic and international stages.
This latest achievement marks another step forward for RFYC, which has established itself as a leading academy in India, committed to identifying, training, and developing young footballers with the potential to elevate the future of Indian football. With each new batch of players transitioning into professional careers, RFYC continues to contribute to the sport's growth and inspire young athletes across the country.
