Delhi Youth League Kick Starts First Football League For Children Under Fourteen

New Delhi, 3 December 2012: The opening ceremony of Delhi Youth League, first competitive football league for children under-14 age group was organized at the Delhi Public School, R.K Puram, New Delhi. The League has been started by Paul Schuttenbelt a Dutch Expat, in cooperation with Kutumb Foundation and The Embassy of The Netherlands.
Mr. Paul Schuttenbelt – Director, Urban Solutions said, “The objective behind setting up Delhi Youth League is to develop the sport of football at the grass root levels in India. We believe the best teacher is the game itself, and therefore, our aim is to give equal opportunity to children from different economic backgrounds to come and play through a fun and learning based system.”
Supporting the initiative, Mr. Alphonsus Stoelinga – The Ambassador of The Netherlands said, “Sports are an important part of life for many Dutch people and football is the most popular sport. We feel proud to be part of the Delhi Youth League,and  look forward to more competitive matches between the kids, to uplift the sports culture and promote it more in India.”
Setting the tone further, Dr. D.R. Saini – Principal, Delhi Public School R.K Puram said, “Such tournaments are crucial in order to tap young footballing talent in this country and we are proud to be the host school for an event like this.”

The Delhi youth league will has over 24 teams in 4 age groups, under 8, under 10 under 12 and under 14. The daylong tournament was one way to gauge how football is beginning to get popular as it saw participation from various schools, neighbourhood teams, NGO’s and groups of friends playing matches of 20 minutes duration.
As a follow up DYL will now start on 13^th January  where matches are held every Sunday over a period of four months starting January 2013.

At the inaugural day, young kids, kitted and equipped with shin-pads, look relaxed but focused. And with the coaches and enthusiastic parents cheering from the sidelines at their young players, the air around the place seemed fun yet professional. Players came from various social, cultural and economic backgrounds, but on the field it was the spirit of the game that was overpowered the differences.

Present at the launch were Mr. Chima Okorie – Former professional football striker and Wim Koevermans – Chief Coach of Indian Football team.

The winners of the tournament were;
·         Under 8: Kutumb Foundation
·         Under 10: DPS R.K Puram;
·         Under 12: Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools
·         Under 14: Kutumb Foundation

You can also visit the website: http://www.ddsil.com/DelhiYouthLeague/aboutdyl.html