Real Kashmir FC applauded for promoting grassroots football and new talent

In 2018, Real Kashmir FC me ir way to Hero I-League by gaining promotion. Ever since, y've me a name for mselves and have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in Indian football. ardent support of ir fanbase is one reason why y've skyrocketed to popularity in country in recent years. 

Sw Leopards took offseason and lockdown to strengn ir connection with fans with an extensive outreach programme that covered numerous parts of region. Club chairman of Real Kashmir FC Sandeep Chattoo said that y h a key objective behind programme, which that was to go “above and beyond” and reach out to grassroots level to spre positivity that club has generated in area.

“At Hero I-League level, people love to watch team. It is a form of entertainment and thus, we me sure that outreach programme has to go to grassroots level with activities we did. If we could bring so much positivity out of club from Srinagar, I feel that going to different districts in interior of Kashmir can also make se places more accessible to people and share same positive feelings that football brings. All in all, it has been a fantastic experience," Sandeep Chattoo asserted. 

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outreach programme of Real Kashmir FC was launched in July this year with intent of reaching out to all districts in Kashmir in order to attract maximum local youths towards sport and scout for young talented players as well. Since July 22, Real Kashmir FC reserve team and youth sides (U-18, U-15 and U-13) have played a combined total of 54 matches games in different parts of region such as Sopore, Baramulla, Choora, Pulwama, Anantnag, Pampore and ors. "A few days back, we were in Baramulla and re were 250 boys who were insisting that y want to join club!” Sandeep Chattoo exclaimed in an AIFF release.

“Fortunately club has done well in Hero I-League and people of Kashmir look up to club as something y own. By going to local level idea was to extend our roots into numerous areas so that club will have a base everywhere and potential talent in every vill and district can be tapped." 

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Real Kashmir FC promotes women's football 

A key aspect of initiative has been club’s #ShePower programme, started in order to promote women’s football, which featured launch of club’s U-14 women’s team in September with over 60 girls taking part in trials on first day. RKFC also plan to launch U-18 and U-10 -group teams for women in future.

“It has been in my mind from start that club shouldn’t be restricted to men’s football and programs. Be it any field — Kashmiri girls excel when given chance. Hence, we want to open up st for girls who are interested in sport so that y get a platform,” club chairman said. 

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Indian football: when does I-League start?

I-League schedule isn't out yet. However, I-league is confirmed to kick off on January 9 next year in Kolkata behind closed doors and will be telecast live on 1Sports.

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Im: Real Kashmir FC Twitter