Youth Football News - Latest Updates & Headlines
Helsinki Cup: Minerva registered its fourth win, creating history by winning the match 9-0
New Delhi, July 9: Minerva Academy FC's victory campaign continued on the second day in the Helsinki Cup 2025, and the team kept scoring goals continuously. The team has maintained its top position in Group A by defeating two big football clubs of Iceland.
Lee Carsley extends contract as England U21 head coach ahead of European Championship
London, June 4: Lee Carsley has signed a new contract as the England head coach with the Football Association (FA) through to the end of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Mizoram pip Punjab on penalties to enter Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 NFC semis
Narainpur, May 23 : Mizoram claimed victory in a roller-coaster of a Swami Vivekananda Men’s U20 National Football Championship quarterfinal, defeating Punjab in a penalty shootout after the latter came back to level the score from being two goals down. The northeastern side eventually won the shootout 4-2 as the match ended 2-2 after extra time.
Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 NFC: Punjab secure QF spot with massive win over Ladakh
Narainpur, May 19: Punjab qualified for the quarter-finals of the Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 NFC after defeating Ladakh 8-1 in their Group C match at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground, on Monday. Manipur defeated Sikkim 6-1 in the other match of the day.
India defeat Bangladesh on penalties to retain SAFF U19 Championship
Yupia, May 18: It was a final that had everything. Early drama, missed chances, a fierce fightback, and there was nothing to separate the two sides but India U19s showed nerves of steel to outlast Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties, after it ended 1-1 post regulation time.
SAFF U19 C'ship: India aim to entertain crowd in summit clash against Bangladesh
Yupia: , May 17 (IANS) Aiming to win their record-extending 10th SAFF age-group men's tournament, India will take on Bangladesh in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U19 Championship 2025 final on Sunday at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, and head coach Bibiano Fernandes hopes his team can entertain the crowds.
Punjab FC ease past Jamshedpur FC to clinch AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League title
Guwahati, May 14: Four first-half goals ensured Punjab FC (PFC) eased past Jamshedpur FC (JFC) 4-1 to clinch the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League 2024-25 title in the final played here at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
Punjab FC clinch AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League title with 4-1 win over Jamshedpur FC
Guwahati, May 14: Four first half goals ensured Punjab FC (PFC) ease past Jamshedpur FC 4-1 to clinch the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League 2024-25 title in the final played here at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. Goals from Karish Soram, Ashish Lohar, Vikash Kisku and Usham Thoungamba Singh within a space of 11 minutes ensured they secured the title.
Swami Vivekananda Men's U20 NFC: Maharashtra, Tripura start campaign with wins
Narainpur, May 12 : Maharashtra and Tripura tasted victories against Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand, respectively, as Group D of the Swami Vivekananda Men’s U20 National Football Championship commenced at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Monday.
SAFF U19 Championship: India take on Nepal with top spot in mind
Yupia, May 12 : Having already booked their place in the SAFF U19 Championship semifinals, India will aim to secure the top spot in Group B when they face Nepal at the Golden Jubilee Stadium here on Tuesday.
SAFF U-19 C'ship: It was my dream to score in front of my family on my home ground, says local hero Omang Dodum
Yupia: , May 11 (IANS) Homeboy Omang Dodum was the center of a momentous occasion in the history of Arunachal sports. A first-ever international football tournament in the state, an Indian national team in action, and above all, a local lad leading the forward line. Dodum scored India's fifth of the night and his first ever official goal for the country.
SAFF U-19 C'ship: Danny Meitei dedicates first international hat-trick to his family
Yupia: , May 10: Midfielder Danny Meitei Laishram had his moment under the floodlights at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia. An enthusiastic youngster from Arunachal Pradesh, he played a key role in India's 8-0 win over Sri Lanka in their first match of the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 here on Friday.
SAFF U19 is a good platform to start preparing for AFC U20 Qualifiers: Bibiano Fernandes
Yupia Arunachal Pradesh): , May 7 (IANS) Bibiano Fernandes, one of the most successful coaches in Indian men's youth teams’ history, having qualified the Blue Colts to three successive AFC U16/17 Asian Cups from 2018 to 2023, is now set to begin a new cycle with a new batch of players. It all starts with the SAFF U19 Championship that will kick off on May 9 in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.
Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's NFC: Karnataka deal 10-goal thrashing to Andaman & Nicobar, Gujarat emerge victorious
Narainpur, May 6: Gujarat and Karnataka came out victorious in their respective Group B matches against hosts Chhattisgarh and Andaman & Nicobar, at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground, on Tuesday. While Gujarat defeated hosts Chhattisgarh 3-2, Karnataka won 10-0 against Andaman & Nicobar in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship.
Bibiano Fernandes announces 23-member squad for SAFF U19 Championship
Itanagar, May 6: Head coach Bibiano Fernandes announced the 23-member India squad for the SAFF U19 Championship, which will be held in Arunachal Pradesh from May 9 to 18.
Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's NFC: Karnataka eliminate hosts Chattisgarh to seal QF spot
Narainpur, May 4: Karnataka sealed their spot in the quarter-finals from Group B with a 3-0 win over hosts Chhattisgarh in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's National Football Championship on Sunday.
Premier League: Chido Obi becomes Man Utd's youngest starter in English top tier
London, May 4: Ruben Amorim has made eight changes to his starting XI as Manchester United take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday. At 17 years and 156 days, Chido Obi is set to become United's youngest-ever Premier League starter.
Defending champs India arrive in Itanagar ahead of SAFF U19 Championship
Itanagar, April 30: The India U19 men's team arrived in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on Wednesday, ahead of the SAFF U19 Championship 2025, scheduled to take place from May 9 to 18 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia. Kipa Ajay, Treasurer, AIFF, and Honorary Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh Football Association, welcomed the 25-member Indian squad, coached by Bibiano Fernandes, at the Donyi Polo Airport in the Arunachal capital.
Swami Vivekananda U20 NFC: SAI sink Nagaland on penalties to seal semis spot
Narainpur, April 25: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) entered the semifinals of the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's National Football Championship (NFC) 2025, as they beat Nagaland in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw at the end of 120 minutes, at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, on Friday.
Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's: Nagaland continue winning ways, M.P eliminated after losing to Haryana
Narainpur, April 21: Nagaland registered their second win in as many matches when they edged past Bengal 1-0 in Group H in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground, on Monday.
Football: Bibiano Fernandes names 35 probables for SAFF U19 Championship
New Delhi, April 19: India U19 men's team head coach Bibiano Fernandes, on Saturday, announced 35 probables for the upcoming SAFF U19 Championship that will be held in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, from May 9 to 18. All matches will be played at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.
Delhi massacre Chandigarh to enter Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's NFC semifinals
Narainpur: , April 17 (IANS) Defending champions Delhi stormed into the semi-finals of the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's National Football Championship 2025, when they beat Chandigarh 8-0 at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Jharkhand, Punjab FC crowned champions of Dream Sports Championship Football 2025
Panaji, April 16: On Tuesday, the renowned RAIA Sports Ground in Goa hosted the grand finale of the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 National Finals, witnessing remarkable talent and competitive spirit from young footballers across the country. The tournament saw Jharkhand FA triumph in the girls' category while Punjab FC successfully defended their title in the boys' category.
Jharkhand, Punjab FC crowned DSC 2025 champions
Goa, April 16: RAIA Sports Ground played host to the grand finale of the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 National Final. The tournament saw Jharkhand FA triumph in the girls' category while Punjab FC successfully defended their title in the boys' category.
Punjab FC wins ISL award for Best Elite Youth Program
Mohali, April 14: Punjab FC has been awarded the Indian Super League Award for Best Elite Youth Program for the 2024-25 season, in recognition of the club's outstanding contribution to youth development and its successful integration of academy players into the senior team.
Chandigarh records significant victory on first day of Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's NFC
Narayanpur, April 10: The second edition of the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship kicked off with two Group E matches at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, as per the AIFF Media Team.
Chandigarh register big win on opening day of Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's NFC
Narainpur, April 10: The second edition of the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship kicked off with two Group E matches at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, on Thursday.
Norwich City held to draw, Punjab FC triumph over SESA in DSC Football 2025 National Finals
New Delhi, April 8: Norwich City FC settled for a 2-2 draw against Guwahati's Football 4 Change to end an entertaining Day 1 of the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 national finals on Tuesday. In the second evening fixture of the U-17 tournament, Punjab FC overcame SESA FA 3-1, led by star striker Vishal Yadav's brace.
Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 national finals kicks off with Dempo SC vs Chennaiyin FC
Panaji, April 7: The Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 National Finals is scheduled to kick off in Goa on April 8. The boys' National Finals will feature eight teams, divided into two groups, battling out for the ultimate glory, and the girls' National Finals--taking place for the first time--will also feature eight teams fighting for the trophy.
Dream Sports Championship brings international challenge to Football National Finals
Panaji, April 2: The highly anticipated National Finals of the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 -- an initiative of the Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) -- will kick off in Goa on April 8. In a major development, the renowned English football team Norwich City FC's Youth Team will be participating in the tournament's second edition.
Bhaichung Bhutia, Subrata Paul to grace DSC football national finals in Goa
Goa, April 2: The highly anticipated National Finals of the Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 will kick off in Goa on April 8. In a major development, renowned English football team Norwich City FC’s Youth Team will be participating in the tournament's second edition, where football legends Bhaichung Bhutia and Subrata Paul will grace the occasion.
Punjab FC's rising star: Viswajeet Yadav's journey from young footballer to DSC winner
New Delhi, March 12: At just 17 years old, Punjab FC's U-17 goalkeeper Viswajeet Yadav is already making a name for himself in football. He won the Dream Sports Championship U-17 Football Tournament in 2024, where he was also named the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Hosts India drawn with Nepal, Sri Lanka in SAFF U19 Championship 2025
New Delhi, March 11: Hosts India were drawn alongside Nepal and Sri Lanka in Group B of the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 in the draw conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal.
AFC U20 Asian Cup: Australia lift maiden title with thrilling win over Saudi Arabia on penalties
Shenzhen, March 1: Australia triumphed in a dramatic AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 final, defeating Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw following 120 minutes of play at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium in Shenzhen.
AFC U20 Asian Cup final: Australia eye maiden title against four-time champs Saudi Arabia
Shenzhen, Feb 28: The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 final between Australia and Saudi Arabia promises to be a tactical battle between familiar foes at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.
India U20 women gear up for tough Russian test in concluding Pink Youth Cup tie
Manavgat (Turkiye), Feb 24: Having won their first two matches at the Pink Ladies U20 Youth Cup, the Indian U20 women's team will take on Russia in the third and final friendly match at the Emirhan Sports Centre here on Tuesday.
Youth Cup: Alexandersson wants his players to show big heart while playing for India
Manavgat (Turkiye), Feb 18: The Indian U20 women's team will take on Jordan in the first match of the Pink Ladies U20 Youth Cup at the Emirhan Sports Centre here on Wednesday. For India, this friendly tournament is part of their preparations for the SAFF U20 Women's Championship (July) and the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers (August).
SESA Football Academy win Goa Regional Round in shoot-out against Dempo SC
Panaji, February 14: SESA Football Academy qualified for the National Finals of the Dream Sports Championship 2025 after a tough battle against Dempo SC in the Goa regional round finals at the Fields of Dreams on Friday.
Dream Sports Championship Regional Round Finals: Punjab FC, Chennaiyin FC, Mohun Bagan SG book their berth
New Delhi, February 8: The Dream Sports Championship (DSC) has concluded its regional rounds across four cities, with Punjab FC (Delhi), Chennaiyin FC (Bengaluru), Reliance Foundation Young Champs (Mumbai), and Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Kolkata) emerged as winners to secure their spots in the National Finals of the U-17 Football Tournament, scheduled for April 2025 in Goa, as per the DSC press release.
Joy for ISL, I-League club youth teams; U17 Football tournament returns for 2nd edition as girls division makes debut
Mumbai, January 29: The Dream Sports Championship (DSC) is returning for its second year with a significant expansion - the addition of a girls' category. The tournament, which kicks off next month, will span six cities across India and aims to provide a platform for young footballers to compete at a national level, according to a release from Dream Sports Foundation.