Bangalore – In an exciting development for grassroots football, South United Football Club (SUFC) has unveiled the first-ever SUFC Inter-City competition, where teams from South United Football Academy (SUFA) Pune will square off against SUFA Bangalore teams. The two-day event will take place at SUFC’s state-of-the-art facilities in Ulsoor, Bangalore, on January 11 and 12.
Over 250 young football players are expected to participate, with the competition set to showcase the strength of grassroots football in India. The event, which will feature six age groups—Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17—will promote player development while also providing an exciting, competitive platform for budding talent.
The two-day event will kick off with round-robin matches on January 11, followed by semi-finals and finals on January 12. Alongside the competition, participants will gain valuable experiences, including the opportunity to meet Terry Phelan, Sporting Director of the South United Sports Foundation, and interact with members of the senior squad.
As part of the experience, participants will also attend an Indian Super League (ISL) match between Mohammedan SC and Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on January 11, offering them a unique chance to witness top-tier football action firsthand.
The SUFC Inter-City Tournament also serves as a key opportunity for talent identification. The club’s new Residential Academy Program will use the competition as a scouting ground, with top performers potentially receiving scholarships. The Residential Academy Program aims to bridge the gap between professional and grassroots football by offering world-class facilities, expert coaching, and a clear progression path for players aiming for higher levels of competition.
Pranav Trehan, CEO of South United Football Club, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “The SUFC Inter-City Tournament is a significant milestone in our quest to improve grassroots football in India. This program aims to provide young players with the opportunity to experience matches and pick up strategies early on, rather than focusing just on competitiveness. We’re thrilled to provide a venue that combines the finest elements of community development, education, and football, paving the way for these gifted players to have a better future.”
The event will also feature an exclusive session on SUFC’s new Residential Academy Program, which combines academics and football training. This program aligns with the club’s vision of linking sports and education.
In addition to the matches, Indresh Nagarajan, head scout and analyst for SUFC, will lead a workshop for players, utilizing video analysis to help them better understand key football principles. The session will focus on research-backed strategies for using video analysis to improve players’ performance, introspection, and observational abilities.
This inaugural competition marks a significant step forward for SUFC in its mission to nurture young football talent and strengthen the foundation of football in India.
