Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur, October 16: Jamshedpur FC is set to organize the third edition of its grassroots league, now rechristened as the Jamshedpur Super League. The league starts from October 18th 2024 and will go on till March 2025.

The league will feature 70 teams competing across five age categories – U-5, U-7, U-9, U-11, and U-13 – and will run for 17 weeks, with a total of 475 matches scheduled. With 628 boys and girls participating, this is set to be a landmark event as the club continues its efforts to promote football at the grassroot in the city.

The league, the longest-running AIFF Blue Cubs League in the country, aims to provide ample playing time and exposure at the grassroots level, while also strengthening the local football ecosystem.

Of the 70 teams, 33 will come from Jamshedpur FC’s Grassroots School, while 37 teams will represent various academies and football clubs from around the Jamshedpur region. Each player will clock between 165 minutes and 600 minutes of playing time, depending on their age category.

The league matches will take place at two venues- JRD Tata Sports Complex and Tinplate Sports Complex, with games scheduled primarily on Fridays and Sundays.

“After two successful editions of Blue Cub’s League we are proud to announce the tournament in a new name. The league is developed in a such a way that all the players will get ample playing time and exposure. This year we have decided to conduct it in a single-leg format, with more teams and players,” said Kundan Chandra, the Head of Youth and Grassroot.

This initiative is part of Jamshedpur FC’s broader efforts to create a pathway for young players to transition into professional football. The club aims at expanding football’s reach in Jharkhand, offering structured competition for children as young as five. The league will adhere to AIFF Blue Cub’s League rules and regulations.

"Grassroots development is essential for the growth of football in India, and we are excited to provide a platform that gives young players the chance to compete and improve. This league is one of the longest-running grassroots events in the country, and through it, we aim to keep football activity alive in Jamshedpur throughout the season," said Mukul Choudhary, CEO of Jamshedpur FC.

Last year, Jamshedpur FC hosted a 10-month-long tournament starting from February 2023 till January 2024 and was nominated by the AIFF for the Grassroot Award 2023-24.