Jamshedpur, Sept 12: Jamshedpur FC youth (TFA) has been awarded a prestigious four-star accreditation, a recognition that underlines its growing reputation as one of the finest football nurseries in the country.
Operating out of the historic Tata Football Academy, the JFC youth system has emerged as a hub of player development, offering youngsters the right balance of coaching, facilities, and competitive exposure.
A total of 142 academies applied for accreditation this year, out of which only seven academies achieved five and four-star ratings.
This year AIFF had introduced several performance-oriented progressive measures as the academies were rewarded for their team’s results in previous youth league campaigns.
The past year has been particularly impressive for Jamshedpur FC youth setup (TFA), with the academy strengthening its backroom setup through the addition of experienced coaches and technical staff. The results were quick to show on the field. The U17 team, coached by Kaizad Ambapardiwala, made it all the way to the final of the U17 Elite League, while the U15 squad under Shakti Singh reached the final round of the Junior League.
Also, grassroots development itself received fresh impetus, as the Blue Cubs League was extended to a 14-week format and special incentives were also introduced for academies encouraging participation of girl players in grassroots programmes, in which all Jamshedpur Football Club received maximum points.
At the heart of the club’s philosophy is the belief that youngsters should be given maximum opportunities to learn and grow through structured training and top-level competition.
With residential facilities and guidance by Head of Youth Development, Kundan Chandra, the academy has cemented its place as a top destination for aspiring footballers in India. The club has also conducted a record number of workshops and coach education progammes for the community, which all contributed to the four-star rating.
The club has also extended its impact beyond its own campus. By hosting one of the longest and largest Blue Cubs Leagues, Jamshedpur Super League, in the country. JFC provided a platform for children across the community to experience football in an organised and enjoyable setting. This blend of elite player development and grassroots outreach has made the club to achieve the four-star rating.
Mukul Choudhari, CEO of Jamshedpur FC, said, “The four-star accreditation is an important milestone for the club. It reflects the direction we are moving in building a strong football foundation at the academy level so that more players can make the journey to the senior team. This aligns with the Tata Steel values of nurturing talent and striving for excellence in every endeavour.”
Kundan Chandra, Head of Youth Development and Grassroots, added, “Securing the 4-star accreditation is a proud milestone for Jamshedpur Football Club. It reflects our commitment to building a robust footballing ecosystem with structured coaching, infrastructure, youth development pathways, and governance standards. This recognition reinforces our vision of nurturing talent and delivering excellence both on and off the pitch, while aligning with the highest b
enchmarks set in Indian football.”
