Sporting Club Delhi: Revitalizing Football in the Capital

Sporting Club Delhi is making waves in the capital's football scene by focusing on professional training and grassroots development. Originally founded as Hyderabad FC, the club has rebranded and aims to revitalize Delhi's football culture. With a commitment to building a comprehensive football ecosystem, including men's and women's teams and youth academies, SC Delhi is poised to inspire a new generation of players. Their inaugural match in the Indian Super League marked the beginning of a promising journey, as they strive to engage fans and elevate the sport's profile in India. Explore how SC Delhi plans to become a cornerstone of Indian football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 15:08 IST

Transforming Delhi's Football Landscape

Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) has quickly established itself as a prominent player in the football arena of the capital, focusing on professional training, grassroots initiatives, and community involvement to cultivate football talent in India. The club was founded to enhance both competitive and recreational football, making significant strides in local and national competitions, and inspiring a new wave of aspiring athletes while rejuvenating the football culture in Delhi.

A Fresh Start for Football in Delhi

Initially launched as Hyderabad FC in August 2019, the club embarked on its professional journey during the 2019-20 Indian Super League (ISL) season. Ahead of the 2025-26 ISL season, the club transitioned to New Delhi, the home city of its owners, and rebranded as Sporting Club Delhi, marking a significant return of professional football to the capital after a period of absence.

Dhruv Sood, the Chief Executive Officer of Sporting Club Delhi, expressed that this new identity symbolizes Delhi's revival in professional football. He noted that the capital, once a vibrant hub for Indian football, is now re-entering the top tier of national leagues with its own club. "Our new identity highlights Delhi's resurgence in the absence of professional football in the city and region. This move signifies the capital's return to the forefront of Indian football leagues with its own team," stated Dhruv Sood.

Creating a Robust Football Ecosystem

Under the ownership of the B.C. Jindal Group, the club is dedicated to fostering a strong, local football culture in Delhi while offering a competitive and inclusive environment for players of all ages. Sporting Club Delhi is officially affiliated with the Delhi Soccer Association and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), ensuring its operations align with national football governance standards.

In addition to its men's senior team, the club is focused on developing a comprehensive football ecosystem that includes a women's team, youth academy, and football schools throughout the Delhi-NCR region. These initiatives aim to discover and nurture young talent from grassroots levels, providing structured training pathways through various age-group teams.

Inaugural Match in the Indian Super League

Sporting Club Delhi made its debut in the ISL on February 15, facing Bengaluru FC and losing 2-0. Despite this initial challenge, the club remains committed to long-term growth, performance excellence, and holistic development. On March 8, Sporting Club Delhi secured its first-ever ISL point by drawing 2-2 against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena. After trailing 2-0, goals from Manoj Mohammad (45+2') and a second-half equalizer allowed the B.C. Jindal Group-owned team to earn their first point in the league.

Future Aspirations and Fan Engagement

Sporting Club Delhi aims to elevate the aspirational value of football in India, providing a solid platform for Indian talents to grow and compete internationally. The club is also focused on connecting with the younger generation of fans in the region and nationwide, utilizing digital outreach, grassroots events, and fan-centric activities to cultivate a passionate supporter culture.

With its ambitious plans and structured programs, Sporting Club Delhi aspires not only to compete in the ISL but also to become a foundational element of Indian football, enhancing participation, performance, and pride within the capital's football community.