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RFYC Graduates Sign First Team Contracts with Mumbai City FC

Jul 8, 2023

RFYC is delighted to announce that two graduates, Nathan Rodrigues and Franklin Nazareth have signed first team contracts with Mumbai City FC! The two 19-year-olds join the Islanders on four-year contracts until May 2027.

Hailing from Goa, Nathan started his journey at the Churchill Brothers and was scouted by RFYC in 2019. Once a midfielder at Churchill, Nathan transitioned into playing in defence with the help of his coaches at RFYC. A tall, left-footed defender who is comfortable on the ball, Nathan is an asset with his positive distribution, providing an outlet to build up from the back.

Franklin came through the ranks at, FC Pune City before being scouted by RFYC in 2019 after playing in the RFYS National School Championship. Franklin is a strong defensive midfielder with good positioning and passing range. He possesses the ability to receive the ball in different situations and progress it, as well as superb reading of the game to help break up opposition attacks.

Nathan and Franklin were instrumental for RFYC in in the Reliance Foundation Development League in the 2023 season. The duo played a crucial role in the Young Champs’ 4th placed finish in the 2023 edition and in their subsequent maiden appearance at the Premier League Next Gen Cup.

The signings of Nathan and Franklin is just reward for RFYC's commitment to giving young talent across the country the best platform to develop into professional football players.

Nathan Rodrigues said:

“It is an honour for me to sign for Mumbai City FC. It's a huge opportunity for me to arrive at a huge club and to start my professional journey. I want to put my head down, learn from my teammates and continue my development under coach Des Buckingham and his staff."

Franklin Nazareth said:

“Mumbai City FC is a club close to my home and my heart. It gives me and my family immense pride to be part of such a big club. Des Buckingham puts a lot of faith in the youngsters and helps them improve and I am very excited to work with him and everyone at Mumbai City.”

Sandro Salami, Head of Youth at RFYC said:

"We are very proud of both Nathan and Franklin. During their time at RFYC, the two have developed into top professionals, and we have no doubt that Mumbai City's commitment to promoting young talent will help them grow further."

Everyone at RFYC would like to wish Franklin and Nathan the very best for their future. We will be cheering for them every step of their professional careers! 

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