Jamshedpur, December 4: Jamshedpur is set to witness a landmark moment in Indian football history this Sunday as transgender teams participate for the first time ever in the Jamshedpur Super League (JSL), India’s biggest grassroots football movement.
Four teams – Chaibasa FC, Jamshedpur FC, Chakradharpur FC, and Saraikela FC – will feature in this historic debut, marking a major step forward for inclusivity in the sport.
Kundan Chandra, Head of Youth Development & Grassroots at Jamshedpur FC, said, “The essence of grassroots football lies in creating opportunities for everyone. Inclusivity is not just a theme for us. It is a responsibility. By welcoming transgender teams into the Jamshedpur Super League, we are ensuring that football truly belongs to all. This initiative strengthens our belief that the game can break barriers and bring communities together.”
The expanded edition of the Jamshedpur Super League will be hosted at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Artificial Football Turf, where the opening transgender fixture will see Chaibasa FC take on Jamshedpur FC, followed by Saraikela FC facing Chakradharpur FC. This inclusion forms a key part of Jamshedpur FC’s broader community outreach programme, designed to make football accessible and representative of every segment of society.
Rebranded from the All India Football Federation’s Blue Cubs League framework, the JSL has evolved from a structured grassroots platform into a vibrant six-month football festival. The league maintains AIFF’s philosophy of small-sided, age-appropriate formats to ensure maximum involvement, learning, and joy for players. JSL is truly unique because of is its community-driven character as mothers, fathers, girls, veterans, coaches, and transgender players all find space on the pitch, creating an example of football’s power to unite.
Last year’s edition was a resounding success, featuring 628 participants across five age categories — Under-5, Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, and Under-13 — with matches played at the Archery Ground, Tinplate Sports Complex, and JRD Tata Sports Complex Football Turf. A total of 70 teams participated, representing 33 grassroots schools and 37 academies and clubs, contributing to over 470 matches played across categories.
This year, the league will expand dramatically, rising from 70 to 190 teams and involving 1,187 grassroots players along with 888 community participants.
