RFYC Naupang League named Best Grassroots Competition at AFC Grassroots Awards 2026
The Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) Naupang League in Mizoram has been named the Best Grassroots Competition at the AFC Special Grassroots and Elite Youth Football Awards 2026, with the awards ceremony scheduled to take place in December 2026. The accolade recognises the programme’s role in strengthening grassroots football through sustained player participation, structured competition and investment in local development.
Launched in 2022 in association with the Mizoram Football Association (MFA), the Naupang League operates year-round for children in the U8, U10, U12 and U14 age groups across Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib and Lunglei. Over four seasons the competition has registered more than 3,000 players across 200+ teams, delivering 9,804 matches and over 4.5 lakh minutes of football. In Aizawl’s Season 4 alone, 906 players across 64 teams were given a minimum of 33 matches each, ensuring regular competitive exposure for participants.
RFYC expanded its grassroots pathway with Mini Mizo in the 2025–26 season to include U6, U8 and U10 age groups; the programme is delivered through schools and community centres and aims to provide age-appropriate football experiences and early entry into the sport. This extension complements the year-round Naupang League structure and targets younger children within the same districts where Naupang operates.
The league places emphasis on building local capacity alongside player development: more than 90% of matches in Aizawl are officiated by qualified referees and all participating Aizawl teams have a recognised qualified coach. In Season 4, 16 coaches gained the AFC C Diploma qualification, and RFYC mobilised over 350 coaches and mentors through matchdays across the programme.
Across nine grounds in four districts, RFYC supplies kits, equipment and refreshments and provides health and safety measures including nurses and ambulances at no cost to participants. Those logistical and welfare provisions are part of the league’s stated effort to create a safe environment for children to play and develop.
The recognition was described by RFYC Head of Youth Robert Roelofsen: “At the grassroots level, the most important element is game time. The Naupang League was designed around that idea – small-sided games, regular minutes for every player, and children learning by playing. Many of the players developing in Mizoram today will shape Indian football tomorrow, and this recognition is a strong endorsement of the pathway we are building in Mizoram.” The organisation said the award reflects the long-term vision of Reliance Foundation and its Founder-Chairperson, Mrs Nita M. Ambani, to build a sporting ecosystem where every child in India has the opportunity to participate, learn and excel through sport. Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State, Sports & Tourism (IC), Mizoram, added: “This achievement marks a proud moment for Mizoram sports, showcasing our small state to the entire continent through the RFYC Naupang League. It serves as a powerful inspiration for all local athletes, regardless of their sport, to strive for excellence.” He also said: “We highly appreciate the Reliance Foundation and Chairperson Mrs. Nita Ambani for launching the Naupang League in Mizoram, and we are incredibly hopeful about continuing this wonderful journey together!”
The award recognises the collective efforts of young players, coaches, referees, the Mizoram Football Association and local communities in building the grassroots ecosystem through Naupang and Mini Mizo. The AFC Special Grassroots and Elite Youth Football Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in December 2026.
