The third edition of Premier League Next Generation Cup will commence from coming Wednesday at Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Mumbai. Academy teams of four overseas clubs will compete against the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) national phase table toppers – Sudeva Delhi FC, ATK Mohun Bagan FC, Reliance Foundation Young Champs & Bengaluru FC.
The youth teams of Premier League clubs Everton FC, West Ham United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC will be joined by Stellenbosch FC from South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The matches will be held in Mumbai on May 17, 20, 23 and 26, with the final being played on May 26. The tournament aims to provide competitive international exposure to young Indian talent across all participating teams.
The meet is being hosted in India for the third time, with the first one being held in 2019. Last year, the tournament was played in the UK, where Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC were the touring Indian sides. This edition provides four slots to Indian clubs as opposed to two last year, giving a large pool of players to gain invaluable experience to hone their skills.
The eight-team tournament will see clubs being divided in two groups of four sides each. They will square off against each other in a round-robin format in a competition whose primary objective is to pit developing young talents against each other.
Sudeva Delhi, ATKMB, RFYC and BFC emerged as the top four teams after two intensive rounds in RFDL – the regional qualifiers and national group stage. This saw over 300 matches across nine regions in the country, comprising teams from Indian Super League, I-League division I&II and independent academies nominated by the state football associations, making it India’s largest and most inclusive elite youth football tournament.
“We’re excited to be returning to India with the Next Generation Cup for the third time. The tournament marks an important partnership between the Premier League and the Reliance Foundation Development League,” said Neil Saunders, PL director of football.
