The current batch of the Pillai FIFA CIES International Sports Management Program were delighted to visit the premier residential football academy of Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) located in Navi Mumbai including the football turfs and its facilities in Reliance Corporate Park. We were warmly greeted by all the members of the RFYC academy, each one of them introducing themselves to us followed by a brief presentation about their academy and its operations. It was uplifting to see how the members of RFYC academy have been making a huge impact for Indian football at the grassroot level. Each member of the academy brought in different skills and experience for the holistic development of the young players, right from the nutritionist to marketing to the data analyst, everyone was committed to building pathways and careers for the kids, including gearing for a life after sports. The members of the academy stressed that nurturing good life skills was a paramount objective when the kids come and stay with them, building trust with both the young players and their parents one step at a time.
We also had the privilege of visiting their football complex in Reliance Corporate Park which shone light to us on the international grade football turfs and facilities being maintained by the academy. This was a great experience for the current batch who thoroughly enjoyed and absorbed the functioning and motivation of one of the most successful football academies in India.
