Mumbai, 9th July 2025: The 2025 Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) Coastal League Season 1 concluded on 5th July 2025 at St. Jude’s College, Thoothoor, bringing to an end a transformative first season that redefined grassroots football along Tamil Nadu’s southern coastline. Launched in March, the league provided a structured competitive platform across four age categories — U7, U9, U11, and U13 — giving hundreds of young players the opportunity to develop through consistent, meaningful match play.

Thoothoor Netaji Sports Academy emerged as the Overall Champions, having lifted the U9, U11 and U13 titles. St. Antony’s M.H.S.S. Manavilai Kirathoor – 'A' claimed the U7 championship, showcasing early promise in the youngest category.

The RFYC Coastal League featured:

• 514 matches over a span of less than 4 months
• 14 registered teams
• 656 player registrations
• 55+ coaches (4 per team)

Throughout the season:

• U7 players averaged 524 minutes across 18-20 matches each
• U9 players averaged 443 minutes across 17-20 matches each
• U11 players logged 518 minutes across 17-20 matches each
• U13 players played the most, with 566 average minutes across 17-20 matches each

Michael Soosairaj, India international who hails from Thoothoor expressed his thoughts on the RFYC Coastal League and its impact, saying, “Growing up in a small coastal town, football was always just a passion we shared with friends. But the RFYC Coastal League changed everything — it brought structure, excitement, and real opportunity. We saw more kids participating, and for the first time, parents are genuinely happy about the initiative. It’s amazing to see how it’s sparked interest even among young girls — and I believe with more support, their participation will grow too. This league isn’t just good for players, it’s good for football as a sport in our town.”

Shameel Chembakath, newly-appointed Head Coach of the RFYC U-19 team was also in attendance for the semi-finals and finals. He stated, “Seeing young kids, some as young as 6, playing with so much energy and joy was inspiring. The whole setup was very simple, but the love for the game was clear everywhere — from the kids, coaches, referees, and even the parents watching from the sidelines. It shows how small villages can build something great if there’s passion, structure, and proper support. Going forward, I can see more kids getting regular matches, better training, and maybe even progressing to higher levels. I believe RFYC Coastal League can become a strong example for other regions in India.”

Post-league play led into two structured competitions: the Coastal Cup for top-half finishers and the Emerging Cup for bottom-half teams — both designed to extend match experience and foster development.

• Coastal Cup Champions:

o          U7: Thoothoor Netaji Sports Academy

o          U9: Thoothoor Netaji Sports Academy

o          U11: St. Jude’s, Chinnathurai

o          U13: St. Jude’s, Chinnathurai

• Emerging Cup Champions:

o          U7: St. Lucia, Erayumanthurai

o          U9: SJB Poothurai

o          U11: SJB Poothurai

o          U13: St. Antony’s, Manavilai Kirathoor – 'A'

From a vision launched in March to a finale that united schools, families, and entire towns, the inaugural RFYC Coastal League has laid down a powerful foundation. In these coastal communities where football is more than just a game, the RFYC Coastal League has already become a symbol of hope, discipline, and shared identity. With plans in motion to extend the league’s duration and structure next season, its long-term impact will only grow — offering more children the chance to develop, compete, and belong.