UditVani,Jamshedpur : Jamshedpur FC Youth, operating out of the historic Tata Football Academy (TFA), has been awarded a coveted four-star accreditation by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), cementing its reputation as one of the country’s premier football nurseries.
Out of 142 academies that applied for accreditation this year, only seven could achieve four and five-star ratings—placing JFC Youth among the elite. AIFF’s revised evaluation process placed strong emphasis on team performances in youth league campaigns, grassroots participation, coaching standards, and infrastructure.
Strong Performances on the Pitch
The past season highlighted JFC Youth’s progress:
The U17 side, under coach Kaizad Ambapardiwala, reached the final of the U17 Elite League.
The U15 squad, led by Shakti Singh, advanced to the final round of the Junior League.
Beyond results, the academy strengthened its backroom setup with experienced coaches and technical staff, providing youngsters with holistic support.
Grassroots and Community Focus
Grassroots football also received a significant push. The Blue Cubs League was extended to a 14-week format, while special incentives for promoting girls’ participation saw JFC score maximum points. The club’s flagship community event—the Jamshedpur Super League—emerged as one of the largest Blue Cubs Leagues in India, giving hundreds of children access to structured football.
“Building a Football Ecosystem”
With residential facilities and expert guidance from Head of Youth Development, Kundan Chandra, the academy continues to provide a structured pathway for aspiring players. Alongside elite training, JFC has conducted record workshops and coach education programmes to strengthen football culture across the region.
Voices from the Club
Mukul Choudhari, CEO, Jamshedpur FC: “The four-star accreditation is a milestone that reflects our direction in building a strong football foundation. It aligns with Tata Steel’s values of nurturing talent and striving for excellence.”
Kundan Chandra, Head of Youth Development: “This accreditation showcases our commitment to structured coaching, infrastructure, and governance. It reinforces our vision of nurturing young talent and maintaining the highest benchmarks in Indian football.”
By blending elite player development with grassroots outreach, Jamshedpur FC Youth (TFA) has firmly established itself as a benchmark for youth football in India.
