Jamshedpur, September 1: Jamshedpur FC’s academy sides have kept their momentum alive by gaining invaluable match experience through the ongoing JSA League as part of their pre-season preparations. The tournament has become a vital off-season platform, helping JFC’s academy boys stay sharp and grow against quality opposition, while also opening the door for nine local talents who earned their place in the academy squads with impressive performances.
Based on their JSA League performances, three players have been found their play in the U18 team, while six boys from Tata Steel Foundation grassroot centres have been inducted into the U15 squad. They will now represent JFC in upcoming AIFF competitions, marking a major step in their football journey.
“The idea is to give more chances to local boys through Tata Steel Foundation’s extensive grassroots initiatives,” said Head of Youth Development and Grassroots, Kundan Chandra. “This way, talented community players from Jharkhand get valuable exposure and the chance to grow into able footballers of the future," he said.
Building on this vision, the academy coaches see the JSA League as the perfect stage to put these ideas into practice. Beyond providing a platform for the local boys, the competition keeps existing academy players in constant touch with competitive football, ensuring their growth is not interrupted during the off-season.
“The JSA League has been crucial for us because it keeps the boys in a competitive mindset even when the main season is over,” said Reserves coach Kaizad. “Playing regularly ensures our reserves stay sharp, learn to adapt to different situations, and continue their development with the right match rhythm.”
For the younger age groups, the benefits are equally significant. U15 coach Shakti Singh shared, “For the U15 boys, the JSA League is a big learning curve because they get to test themselves against older and more experienced players. It pushes them out of their comfort zone and builds confidence that accelerates their growth as footballers.”
In total, the Premier Division of the JSA League features 55 matches, with JFC Reserves, represented by the U18 squad, competing in 10 of them. The Super Division carries another 55 matches, where JFC’s U15 team, supported by select U17 players from Tata Steel Foundation centres, are also playing 10 fixtures. This busy schedule ensures the academy boys not only stay match-fit but also gain exposure in real-game scenarios.
