The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is contemplating on launching an U-13 I-league to bridge the age gap within the professional Indian football hierarchy. This particular decision was taken at the Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi, after the proposal was given the green signal by President Praful Patel.
A source close in the AIFF said, “According to the plan we will be working with various state associations to initiate the process. Technical officers have also been appointed so that the programme can be manifested at a quicker pace.”
He added, “The main motive behind this particular move is to increase the number of players between the age of 15-17 in the I-league. This will create a legitimate channel for youngsters to streamline their talent. For years, we have been planning on launching something like this and it has finally come to the fore.”
Currently in the planning phase, it is unclear whether clubs/state teams will be included in the league. However, there are ‘high’ chances that grass-root level academies such as Mumbai’s Kenkre FC , Pune’s Bharat FC will benefit from the project
In a public statement made by the AIFF, Patel went onto congratulate the Indian women’s team who won gold at the recently concluded South Asian Games. He said, "I also congratulate the Indian women's national team for winning the gold medal in the SAG and Services for winning the 70th Santosh Trophy for the fifth time.”
Their performance has also prompted AIFF to schedule a ‘special’ meeting on March 30. Our source added, “The meeting will involve all things related to women’s football and how we can take things forward.”
I-league CEO Sunando Dhar also addressed the meeting, by talking about the steady rise of I-league division two attendances. Matches held in Kashmir and Imphal, have drawn audiences close to 18,000.
