Reliance Foundation Organizes International Football Tour to Japan for U-21 Teams

Commitment to Youth Development

In a bid to enhance the talent pool for the Indian national football team, Reliance Foundation has unveiled plans for an international exposure tour to Japan. This initiative is aimed at the top three teams from the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), which is recognized as India's leading U-21 youth football competition. Following impressive performances in the 2025-26 season, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, and Punjab FC have secured the chance to face elite Japanese teams, reflecting the Foundation's ongoing investment in youth development.

Details of the Japan Tour

Scheduled from July 11-23 in Fukuoka, the tour will feature matches against prominent Japanese youth teams, including Avispa Fukuoka U18, Sagan Tosu U18, Giravanz Kitakyushu U18, and FC Baleine Shimonoseki U21. These matches are designed to provide Indian players with exposure to high-intensity competition and diverse playing styles within one of Asia's most successful football development frameworks.

Insights from Coaches

Renedy Singh, former captain of the Indian national team and current head coach of Bengaluru FC Reserves, emphasized the significance of this exposure trip. He stated, "Thanks to Reliance Foundation, we played 23 matches this season, and now we have the opportunity to challenge ourselves against some of the world's best teams. This is a fantastic platform for players, coaches, and teams alike."

Israil Gurung, head coach of FC Goa's Development Team, echoed these sentiments, noting, "Japan has emerged as a football powerhouse globally, thanks to its robust grassroots programs. This trip will be an invaluable experience for our players, allowing them to witness the high standards of football in Japan. We view this as a developmental phase, and such opportunities will significantly aid player growth."

Praveen Kumar, head coach of Punjab FC's youth team, reflected on their previous exposure trip to the UK in 2024, where they faced teams like Everton FC and Aston Villa. He remarked, "The Japanese youth football system is well-structured. Our last trip provided great learning experiences for players like Pramveer and Md. Suhail. Reliance Foundation is effectively bridging the gap between youth and senior football through these competitions and tours, and we anticipate a valuable challenge in Japan."

Holistic Development Approach

In recent years, RFDL teams have competed against top youth teams in England. The upcoming tour to Japan marks a significant step in broadening these global learning experiences, enabling India's young talents to measure themselves against one of Asia's premier football nations.

Focus on Coach Development

Understanding that player growth is intertwined with coach development, the program will also feature a three-day educational module for six coaches from the participating clubs at Avispa Fukuoka. This curriculum will cover Individual Development Plans, player progression, and high-performance environments, along with interactions with the Football Director of FC Machida Zelvia, a club that has rapidly ascended from the J2 League to the AFC Champions League Elite Final in just three years.

In addition to football, the delegation will engage in cultural visits to significant sites such as the Nagasaki Peace Stadium, the Atomic Bomb Museum, and the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, showcasing Reliance Foundation's comprehensive approach to player and coach development.

Strengthening Indian Football's Future

The Japan exposure tour further solidifies the Reliance Foundation Development League's commitment to shaping the future of Indian football. By integrating high-quality domestic competition with international exposure and coach education, the league equips young players and coaches with global best practices. Japan's consistent success in youth football serves as an ideal benchmark, preparing the next generation for high-level competition.