Under-19 I-League to kick-off regionally in January 2014

The Under-19 I-League Tournament is set to kick-off at the end of January 2014. This decision was announced at a seminar at the All India Football Federation Headquarters, Football House, in New Delhi, on Wednesday, December 18.

I-League CEO Sunando Dhar spoke about his plans for the formation of the tournament in a meeting attended by over 25 Representatives from the 13 I-League Clubs.

“The reason for the expansion of this form of the League is to bring in more teams from the 2nd Division and the Academies, and give proper exposure to the youngsters who will be the next stars of Indian football,”” Mr. Dhar stated.

Explaining the format of the Under-19 I-League, Mr. Dhar said, “The League would be played first on a zonal basis (home and away) followed by the Final-leg in Jamshedpur. The zonal groups will be played in Kolkata, Mumbai, Shillong, Goa, and another Group formed by all other Teams from the Rest of India (to be played on a Single-leg basis in Jamshedpur ahead of the Final-leg).”

The top team from each zone, and two teams from the Rest of India zone, i.e. six teams will play each other in a single-leg League, the final Round of which will start from the mid of April 2014.

Finally, the team with the highest points will be adjudged as the Under-19 I-League Champions.

Under-19 I-League – Zones

Zone Goa:Dempo SC, Churchill Brothers SC, Sporting Clube de Goa, Salgaocar FC, Sesa Football Academy

Zone Kolkata:Mohammedan Sporting Club, United SC, East Bengal Club, Mohun Bagan AC, Kalighat Milan Sangha, Bhowanipore FC

Zone Maharashtra – Mumbai:Mumbai FC, Pune FC, AIFF Regional Academy (Navi Mumbai), Mumbai Tigers FC, Kenkre Football Academy, PIFA – Mumbai

Zone Shillong:Shillong Lajong FC, Rangdajied United FC, Green Valley SC, Royal Wahingdoh FC

Zone Rest of India – Jamshedpur:Bengaluru FC, Tata Football Academy, Aizawl FC, MP United FC, Hindustan FC, United Sikkim FC, Eagles FC, Garhwal Heroes FC

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)