Reliance Foundation Youth Sports


Reliance Foundation Youth Sports or RF Youth Sports or RFYS is an initiative driven by Reliance Foundation, a non-profit and CSR front of the Reliance Group, which focuses on providing a platform for youth sports in India, especially at the school and collegiate level. Currently, eight cities are a part of the foundation’s long-term goal which aims at establishing a sports association, similar to the NCAA of United States of America that controls and collaborates with schools and athletes. In the months and years to follow, it will include various other sports under its umbrella which will see school and college teams and athletes competing with each other at the district, state and national levels for the championship. In 2015, Reliance Foundation had also initiated - a programme to foster football talent in India. The programme was tied to the Indian Super League's eight cities and the respective teams conduct grassroots initiatives to contribute to the RFYC.

Launch

Reliance Foundation Youth Sports was digitally launched on 23 July 2016 by Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India. The launch was live-streamed on the official website. The Prime Minister also interacted with young footballers from eight cities via video conference.

Structure

The Indian School College Sports, or ISCS, under the aegis of Reliance Foundation will be the overseeing body for all school and collegiate sports; organizing, promoting and executing championships at all levels. Starting with football in 2016–2017, RFYS focuses on expanding in the coming years by organizing more sporting events.
The RFYS legislative structure has cabinets and committee members consisting of various members from participating schools and colleges, overlooking the process of participation.

Eligibility

Schools and colleges willing to participate in the initiative start by filling the participation form online, available on the official RFYS website. Post enrolment, the institutions are accepted or rejected based on their eligibility criteria. However, in some cases the right to admission remains with the organisers.

Advisory Board

RFYS has a six-member advisory board consisting of eminent personalities to guide the thought and growth of this initiative. This board consists of Nita Ambani, Sachin Tendulkar, Leander Paes, Saina Nehwal, Professor Dipak Jain and Ranbir Kapoor.