Real Kashmir FC fields U-14, U-16, U-18 teams in AIFF youth leagues

Srinagar, Jan 13: Real Kashmir FC’s U14, U16 and U18 teams have begun their respective All India Football Federation (AIFF) league campaigns, marking a landmark season as the club fields teams across all major national youth competitions simultaneously for the first time.

The Real Kashmir FC U-14 team, as per a statement, has embarked on its AIFF Sub Junior League campaign in Uttarakhand, playing their opening match on Tuesday against Corbett FC, where the team went down 4–1. Despite the result, this match holds special importance as it marks the first time after a long gap that Real Kashmir FC’s U14 side has participated in this prestigious national tournament, showcasing the club’s renewed focus on early-age development.

Meanwhile, the Real Kashmir FC U16 team has departed for Chandigarh to participate in the AIFF Junior League fixtures. This season, the league is being conducted in a home-and-away format, with Real Kashmir FC scheduled to play all initial matches away, followed by home fixtures at the TRC Football Ground, Srinagar.

At the same time, the Real Kashmir FC U18 team is currently competing in the AIFF Elite League in Srinagar, further underlining the club’s strong presence across all major AIFF youth competitions.

This historic season is deeply aligned with the vision of Arshad Shawl, whose unwavering belief in youth development and long-term football growth in Jammu & Kashmir has been the driving force behind these achievements. For the first time, Real Kashmir FC has all three youth age groups—U14, U16, and U18—participating simultaneously in AIFF national leagues, a landmark moment for football in the region.

Notably, all squads consist entirely of home-grown players, with no outside signings, while several other teams in the respective groups are fielding mixed squads. This highlights Real Kashmir FC’s philosophy of nurturing local talent and providing a professional pathway to young footballers from J&K.

Adding to its growing stature, Real Kashmir FC has been awarded a 2-Star Rating under the AIFF Club Accreditation system, reinforcing its professionalism, governance standards, and commitment to structured development. The club also proudly remains the only team from Jammu & Kashmir participating in all three AIFF youth leagues, as well as the only team from the region competing in the I-League.

Further amplifying its national and international presence, the journey, struggles, and rise of Real Kashmir FC have been showcased through a dedicated web series on SonyLIV, bringing the club’s inspiring story to football fans across the country.

Real Kashmir FC continues to move forward with determination, focusing on sustainable growth, youth empowerment, and representing Jammu & Kashmir with pride on the national football stage.