As part of its 10-year celebration, Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) announced the formal launch of the Beyond the Pitch Aftercare Program, a structured support initiative aimed at guiding released players as they transition out of the academy system.

This announcement was first made during the RFYC Alumni Meet held in June 2025, marking a decade of football development at the academy. While the program has existed in a smaller, informal capacity over recent years, RFYC is now committed to scaling it with dedicated personnel, clearer structure, and long-term vision.

Every year, countless youth footballers across India face uncertainty after being released from academies. RFYC’s Beyond the Pitch initiative addresses this challenge by offering emotional, educational, vocational, and football-specific support to its released and graduated scholars, ensuring no child is left behind.

“We believe our responsibility to a player doesn’t end at release,” said Robert Roelofsen, Head of Youth, RFYC. “This program formalizes our ongoing efforts to ensure that every player has a pathway forward—whether in football or in life. 

The program now includes:

• A minimum 3-year aftercare window post-release
• Support with football trials, D-License coaching, and fitness planning
• Help with education continuation, vocational training, and startup guidance
• Access to mental health services and regional alumni networks
• A dedicated Aftercare Officer and regular reporting to track progress

This initiative reflects RFYC’s belief that football is a platform for life—not just a career path—and that each graduate deserves dignity, support, and opportunity beyond the academy walls.