U12s Lift Title With 3-0 Win Over Roots FS; Join U8s And U10s As Champions In Respective Age Groups

In what was a historic moment for the Bengaluru FC Youth Academy, Rajan Mani’s U12 side bagged the KSFA Youth Premier League title with a 3-0 win against Roots Football Schools, joining the U8s and U10s as Champions of their respective age groups in the competition, at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Sunday.

The U12s dominated the game right from the start and were rewarded with an early lead, when skipper Ningthoujam Newton Singh converted from the spot in the 9th minute to put his team ahead. Varun M doubled the lead in the second half when he headed home Newton’s cross from a corner. Newton picked up another assist late in the game, when another corner of his was headed in by Puniachandra Kangjam which sealed the game and the title.

“This is a fantastic moment for all of us at Bengaluru FC, and all credit for this goes to our youth coaches, the players, their parents and the support staff. I have been keenly following the progress of these teams, and am pleased to see our Youth Development program heading in the right direction,” said club CEO Mandar Tamhane, following the result.

While the U12s made their way to the summit clash after a 2-0 win over Raman Sports Academy last week, Jeevan Jayaraj’s U8s claimed the trophy with an impeccable group stage show; winning all nine matches en route to the title. Striker Jordan Mobin Paul was the top scorer for the U8s, with eight goals to his name.

Following them onto the Champions’ roll were the U10s, who also won all their League matches, before a 3-0 semifinal win over BFC Soccer Schools’ Elite. Aranyak Maitra’s late strike proved the difference for Govardhan Gowda’s side in the final, against BCFC Magic.

“I am really happy to see the way our youngsters are playing, and having watched them from close quarters for the last few years, I can say that they have improved tremendously thanks to the work of our youth coaches. I am sure that most of them have a bright future ahead of them in the sport, and I wish them the best,” said Head of Youth Development, Naushad Moosa.

U8s striker Neil Nandigam was named the Best Striker, while teammate Devansh Chintan claimed the Best Defender accolade.

In what is testament to the club’s Youth Development program, all three of the Academy’s age-group sides were heavily represented by Bengaluru FC Soccer Schools graduates; with six players in the U8s, four more in the U10s and seven in the U12 squad.

U12 squad: Sehajvir Singh, Miran Kaping, Chinmay Sudhakar, Rushabh Adhikary, Aryan Brijesh, Manav Gowda, Animesh Verma, Rayuel Beale, Nairengbam Rohen Singh, Aarav Gharat, Cyrus Abhilash, Ningthoujam Newton Singh, Puniachandra Kangjam, Muhammed Zahan, Varun M, Mohammed Hafeezun, Saathvik, Adya Shetty, Arhaan Sehgal, Shan Ezekiel.

U12 Coach: Rajan Mani

U10 squad: Shaun Christy, Veda Janvrin, Mano Janvrin, Shreyas Patil, Nithin Bhadri, Aranyak Maitra, Liam Fernandes, Akshit Arya, Neel Kashyap Murthy, Zidane Moosa, Rishan Subodh, Rithvik Thane.

U10 Coach: Govardhan Gowda

U8 squad: Jordan Mobin Paul, Rishik Thane, Syed Affan, Avyay Chaturvedi, Gurusmaran, Sankeerth S, Vivaan, Eklavya, Kustub, Gagan Sai, Neil Nandigam, Devansh, Vishank Maaney, Siddhanth.

U8 Coach: Jeevan Jayaraj