Nita Ambani led Reliance Foundation (RF) is the charitable arm of parent company Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). Focusing on the upliftment of Indian society, the foundation aims to inculcate self-help habits among the marginalized communities across the country. Additionally, it continues to create sporting avenues with a goal to develop multiple sports in India as well as recruit young talent.
Youth Sports program
The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) initiative aims at transforming the sports field at the grassroots level. Individuals across the country belonging to different schools and colleges will benefit from this national sports platform.
RF has ensured that the participants are provided with state-of-the-art facilities in terms of the tournament’s environment. Besides serving as a talent platform, the initiative will also grant scholarships to deserving athletes. Additionally, they will also be scouted by professional teams and the coaches of well-performing institutes will gain access to football equipment and training programs to further facilitate their growth.
Participation levels
RFYS program is set to go live with its competitions commencing on the 28th of August. The initiative received a high number of team registrations over the past month. Over 40,000 young individuals are expected to participate through more than 2000 teams in this football competition open to schools and colleges across India.
The competition
To be held in the cities of Guwahati, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, and Delhi, this football competition will begin with qualifying rounds. City championships will follow which would qualify teams to compete at the national finals. Participants may choose to participate in any one category from the four available; namely College Boys, Senior Boys, Junior Boys, and Senior Girls.
The RFYS program by
Nita Ambani led Reliance Foundation is to be held in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). AIFF has also praised the initiative, calling it one of the most ambitiously designed football campaigns, aimed at encouraging the growth of football.
Association with adidas
RFYS initiative has also collaborated with adidas, the German-based sportswear giant in order to boost the development of football in India. The two have entered into a multi-year association which will begin on the 27th of August.
The two companies’ partnership stems from their shared belief of inculcating and encouraging football at the Indian grassroots level. Adidas will not only be the official kit partner for RFYS’ City Champions but also provide footballs for the matches.
Senior Marketing Director at adidas India, Damyant Singh, stated that the company expects RFYS to completely transform the state of Indian sports in terms of coaching, training, and competitions. He stated that adidas is proud to be associated with the grassroots initiative.
Summary
The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) initiative is receiving high participation and is expected to not only change the way football functions at the grassroots but also the overall Indian sports industry.