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37 Teams from all over the country will ply their trade in the Under-18 I-League which is slated to kick-off on Monday, November 14 in the Maharashtra zone. All the teams from I-League, Second Division League, a few football academies and one team from the Indian Super League will clash their swords to clinch the silverware.
I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said the increase in the numbers highlights the fact, “cultivating newer talents to contribute to the senior teams eventually.”
“We have witnessed an enticing U-18 I-League last season and we’re expecting nothing less than another gruelling season,” he told I-League Media.
“I wish success to all the participating teams. The competition will be intense and may the best Team triumph,” he added.
The teams from every zone will play on a home-away basis among themselves in the round robin stage and 12 teams will qualify to the National Final Round eventually. Those twelve teams will be divided into three groups and the group champions along with the ‘Best Second Placed Team’ will qualify for the semifinal which will be followed by the final to decide the U-18 I-League 2016/17 champions.
Mumbai FC will face off Kenkre FC at the Cooperage Ground in the opener (November 14).
The zones and the teams are noted below
Zones: Kolkata, Maharashtra, Shillong-Guwahati, Delhi, Goa, Rest of India (Group A), Rest of India (Group B) and Rest of India (Group C)
Teams: East Bengal Club, Mohun Bagan AC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, SAI – Kolkata, Southern Samity, United SC; DSK Shivajians FC, Mumbai FC, Kenkre FC, PIFA, FC Pune City; Shillong Lajong FC, SAI – Guwahati, Royal Wahingdoh FC, Rangdajied United FC, Gauhati Town Club; Bhaichung Bhutia Football School, Sudeva FC, Delhi United FC, SAI – Delhi, Hindustan FC; NEROCA FC, Aizawl FC, Tata Football Academy, Pride Sports; Dempo SC, Sporting Clube de Goa, Salgaocar FC, AIFF Elite Academy; Bengaluru FC, Ozone Football Academy, Fateh Hyderabad AFC, Kahaani FC; Real Kashmir FC, Lonestar Kashmir FC, Minerva Academy FC, J&K Bank
by I-League Media
