Jamshedpur FC Youth Team aim to start Reliance Foundation Development League campaign with win against Mumbai

RFD League a big opportunity for the boys: Head Coach

Jamshedpur, April 15: Jamshedpur FC Youth Team (TFA) is geared up for its first encounter of Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The League began in Goa on April 15. JFC will be up against Mumbai City on Saturday, April 16 at 4:30 PM at Benaulim Football Ground, Goa.

The tournament will provide a unique opportunity to compete against the best emerging players from across the country and would be hoping to begin their campaign on a winning note.

Ahead of the inaugural match, Jamshedpur FC Youth Team Head Coach Indranil Chakraborty said that the tournament is very important for the academy boys because for the last two years they have primarily been training and haven’t been able to play any competitive matches (except for the three matches in Durand Cup). This is a very good opportunity in front of them with development teams of 7 ISL Clubs and the RFYC team making it a big stage for them to play and perform and I hope these boys will give their best and take most advantage of this tournament, he added.

Talking about the preparedness of the squad, Head Coach informed, “When we first heard that we are participating in RFDL, we all were very excited because after a long gap we had an opportunity, a target in front of us. From the first day we have been very serious about the preparations and are ensuring that the squad is fully focussed to go into this tournament so that they can give their best. And whatever the final result in the tournament, the most important thing is to get those competitive minutes into them. The boys have been cooperative, listening well and following all training routines well too.”

About his views on the opening match vs Mumbai City FC, Chakraborty further said, “We haven’t been able to see them play before of course, but each team that is participating is good with respect to the tournament. For us, our strategy is to go match-by-match and not think too far ahead. For now, we are prepared for Mumbai City FC who are a good opponent. So, we are expecting a good match tomorrow.”

On the quality of players and teams in RFDL, Head Coach went on to say that it is a big morale booster and motivation for the players. The boys have been mostly in the Academy environment, so to have the opportunity to play against and with good quality players, some of whom have played the ISL too and have watched them play on TV, is massive. This is also a very good mix and match of players for all teams. Like for us we have Mandi, Vishal and Mohit from the senior team bringing their experience and sharing the same ground and dressing room. It is a very rare opportunity for the boys.

Talking about the importance of support from fans for the team,  Chakraborty was of the opinion that there is only one thing that the boys need, and that is the support of the fans. This is the same club that played in the ISL so obviously it is a big boost to see the good wishes of the fans for the players, just like they had for the senior team. Their motivation and support will help the boys achieve the big dreams they carry with them.

Coach Carlos Santamarina said, this kind of league is important for young footballers of India. “I think it’s a very good opportunity for them because there is a lack of competition for the youth in India which is a big issue for these lads who range from 18 to 20 years old; at this age they have to play a lot of games. So, this is a good chance for them as there are good teams that are participating in this league and we hope we get to see very competitive games. The experience they will gain from this league will be beneficial for the youth squad as well as the Indian Football which will help them improve their level of football.”

Carlos further said, “I think every game that they get to play during this period of their career will help them improve as footballers and gain experience. The experience that they will take away from such competitions will definitely be needed if they aspire to become professional football players to play in leagues like the Indian Super League or 1st Division of the I-League as they will be playing in front of thousands of people which they need to be ready for. So, they need such games and competitions like Durand Cup and the ISL Youth League to gain experience. They need to learn how to control their emotions while playing in the big leagues and I feel this will be an important opportunity for them.”

Talking about the importance of having 3 senior team players in squad for the league, Carlos said, “I think their presence in the squad is very important because these 3 players came up from the Tata Football Academy (TFA) and they are like a mirror for the younger cadets in the squad to look upto as they stand as a good example of what working hard towards your dreams can do. It also makes them believe that they can achieve the same and play for not just Jamshedpur FC but for any Indian Super League team. So, I think it’s a positive for the squad to have the 3 senior experienced players who got the opportunity to train and learn under very good coaches along with some experienced teammates as well which has helped them improve. So, it is wonderful to have senior team players who are products of the Tata Football Academy itself.”