Mumbai, August 28, 2025: Western India’s most exciting grassroots football league is back – and it’s bigger than ever. The SFL Football League – 2025 – organised by Sports For Life (SFL), a multi-sport academy focused on structured, tech-enabled training for young athletes – kicks off on September 27, 2025, bringing six months of competitive, tech-powered youth football to both Mumbai and Pune. After a successful debut season in Mumbai, the league’s expansion marks a major step toward building a connected grassroots football ecosystem across the region.
Officially affiliated with the Mumbai Football Association (MFA) and the Pune District Football Association (PDFA), the league is setting a new benchmark for structure, professionalism, and accessibility. Open to boys, girls, and co-ed teams aged 5–18, it combines community passion with the rigour of elite competition, ensuring players get both consistent game time and a professional matchday experience.
Sourjyendu Medda, Co-founder of SFL said, “After the success of our first edition in Mumbai, we’re excited to return for the second edition of the SFL Football League – now expanding to both Mumbai and Pune. We’re taking another step toward building a truly connected grassroots football ecosystem. Our goal is simple – to give every young player consistent match time, professional exposure, and the tools to track and improve their game. Whether it’s through 4K livestreams, AI-driven stats, or the buzz of playing in front of passionate crowds, we want to make grassroots football as exciting to experience as it is to watch.”
Heimir Hallgrímsson, SFL Football Mentor & Global Ambassador and Manager of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team, added, “The SFL Football League Mumbai is not just a tournament it’s a step forward for Indian football. By offering consistent game time and more matches, it plays a crucial role in nurturing young talent. Live streaming with player statistics adds a professional touch, helping both players and coaches track performance and growth. With top notch facilities and structured competition, this league is the perfect platform to improve, compete, and build a brighter future for Indian football.”
This year, the league will bring together 3,200+ young players representing over 200 + teams, supported by 6,000+ parents and fans each weekend. Across 2,200+ matches, players will compete in eight categories – co-ed U8, U10, U12; boys’ Sub-Junior, Junior, Elite; and girls’ U14 and U17 – in a league-plus-knockout format guaranteeing at least 14 matches per team.
The action will unfold at premium venues in Mumbai – Cooperage Ground (Churchgate), Jamnabai Narsee Ground (Juhu), and Celebrations Turf (Andheri West) and Pune – Hotfut, 4 Lions. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with families, friends, and entire communities turning out to cheer on the next generation of football talent.
SFL’s tech-driven approach is transforming how grassroots football is played and followed. Every match will be livestreamed in 4K via the SFL app, with AI-powered player performance stats and real-time score updates available for coaches, parents, and scouts.
Every player will receive a professional kit, along with full tournament coverage. Top performers will be recognised with trophies, medals, and MVP awards – underscoring the league’s focus on development rather than cash prizes. Scouts from national and international clubs will be invited to spot rising stars.
The league has already earned strong backing from former India internationals Keegan Pereira and Henry Menezes, who have praised its commitment to raising the standard of grassroots football in India. Their endorsement reflects the growing recognition that SFL is creating a genuine pathway for young talent.
With Mumbai and Pune as its foundation, the SFL Football League aims to expand to other cities through inter-district and inter-state competitions, building toward a truly national youth football structure.
Registrations are open now for academies and clubs in both cities. For more information, email sflchampionship@sportsforlife.in, follow @sportsforlife_in on Instagram, or connect on LinkedIn at Sports For Life.