Srinagar, July 26: The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) U-19 Girls Football Tournament marked its much-anticipated return to Kashmir on Saturday, kicking off its second consecutive season at the Green Valley Educational Institute ground.A statement issued here said that building on the momentum of last year’s successful debut, this season promises to be even bigger. More than 200 young athletes from 12 teams across Jammu and Kashmir are set to compete, a testament to the rising interest and growing opportunities for girls in the sport. The opening day saw a charged atmosphere, with players, coaches, and supporters turning out in full force. The increased participation reflects not just the enthusiasm of the players but also the impact of RFYS’ continued investment in grassroots football. By offering structured competition, world-class infrastructure, and increased game-time, RFYS is nurturing a generation of young footballers with dreams of playing at the highest level. The inaugural edition featured eight teams, with SRM Welkin lifting the trophy after a commanding 3–1 win over Delhi Public School, Srinagar in the final, also played at the Green Valley ground. RFYS is also making strides beyond the pitch. Earlier this year, it partnered with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to host the Women Match Officials Workshop in Srinagar, a landmark initiative that brought together over 170 female referees from across the country. The workshop aimed to strengthen the officiating ecosystem and further empower women in football, from players to match officials. Over the years, Kashmir has emerged as a stronghold for RFYS, with enthusiastic participation in both boys’ and girls’ categories. By consistently delivering access to quality coaching, reliable infrastructure, and regular competitive opportunities, the foundation is helping transform the region into a vibrant footballing hub.
Fixtures for July 26, 2025:
- 09:30 AM – Comrade FC vs Woodlands School
- 11:00 AM – SRM Welkin vs Downtown Heroes
- 02:00 PM – Green Valley vs Kashmir Harvard
About Reliance Foundation Sports: Since its inception in 2013, Reliance Foundation’s sports programmes have positively impacted nearly 23 million children across India, spanning over 13,000 schools, colleges, clubs, and academies. With a strong commitment to promoting gender equity in sports, the Foundation has designed its initiatives to provide more platforms and opportunities for girls and women athletes. The Foundation also supports over 200 athletes in 10+ Olympic disciplines through scholarships and access to elite training facilities. Its football initiatives include the RFYS grassroots league, RFYC Naupang League, RFYC Coastal League, and the prestigious Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) academy, India’s top-rated football academy, producing over 40 professional players to date. With its unwavering focus on building a holistic sporting ecosystem from the grassroots up, Reliance Foundation continues to reshape India’s athletic future, one opportunity at a time.
