UditVani, Jamshedpur : Jamshedpur FC’s U-18 team is all set to begin their AIFF Elite Youth League campaign this Sunday as they take on SAIL Football Academy, Bokaro at the Flatelet Ground.
The match will kick off at 9 am and marks JFC’s first outing of the season after their originally scheduled opener against Ramakrishna Mission was postponed.
The young Men of Steel enter the newly revamped U-18 league with high expectations, building on last season’s impressive runners-up finish in the U-17 category.
Head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla continues to lead the side, which has undergone intense training in preparation for the tournament.
Jamshedpur received a significant boost ahead of their opener with the return of forward Heeranganba Seram, who rejoined the squad after representing India in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. His pace and attacking sharpness are expected to strengthen JFC’s firepower in the final third.
Their opponents, SAIL Football Academy Bokaro, are known for their physicality and discipline, promising a tough test for JFC in the opening clash. The fixture also kicks off a demanding December schedule for the Men of Steel, featuring matches against Inter Kashi (away), AIFF FIFA Talent Academy (home), and Alpha Sports Academy (away).
Speaking ahead of the encounter, head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla said, “The boys have worked really hard, and there’s a real hunger in the group to begin the season on a strong note. SAIL Bokaro always bring intensity, so it will be a tough contest. Having Seram back from national duty is a big boost for us. The focus now is on sticking to our principles, trusting our training, and enjoying the first game at home.”
With solid preparation and last year’s success still fresh, Jamshedpur FC’s U-18s will look to kick off their Elite Youth League journey with a winning start on home turf.
