Page 63 - Reliance Foundation Annual Report 2020-21

54 Reliance Foundation Annual Report 2020-21 55

Reliance Foundation Young Champs: providing holistic Reliance Foundation Jr NBA: promoting comprehensive
learning in sports and academics youth development

rfyoungchamps.org In FY 2020-21, the programme hosted its first-ever live virtual Hoffman; and Roy Rana, Assistant Coach of the Development Sports for
clinic as part of a 12-week series. Launched in 2013, the Reliance Sacramento Kings.
Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RYFC) was conferred a RYFC offers a holistic environment to youngsters to hone their Foundation Jr NBA Program is a youth development initiative
Two-Star Academy status in FY 2020-21 by the Asian Football skills amid world-class facilities and relentless training from that supports basketball at the grassroots, along with the As part of the virtual programme, pre-recorded training
Confederation (AFC). RFYC is officially recognised as India’s accomplished staff and sports leaders. core values upheld by the sport – teamwork, respect and videos and content were provided to PE teachers and coaches
best residential football academy by the All India Football In FY 2020-21, nine players from RFYC’s first batch of graduates determination – to positively impact the lives of boys and girls in the participating schools in order to enable year-round
Federation (AIFF). The award of the Two-Star Academy status were offered professional contracts by ISL clubs on deals in India. development of aspiring players through digital platforms.
by AFC came on the back of the academy’s established record ranging from two to three years. During the year, in the absence
in providing young sports talents one of the best sporting and of on-ground training, a comprehensive virtual programme The 12- week virtual clinic series hosted by the programme 1.1 crore youth across
coaching facilities. RYFC is one of the only two academies in was put in place that included virtual schooling and tuitions, featured NBA, WNBA and NBA G League players, legends and 13,500 schools
India to get this recognition. coaches, engaging participants in skill development, leadership
apart from dedicated daily football-specific sessions. Support Trained under the Reliance Foundation Jr NBA Program
Each year, the academy offers full scholarships to the country’s was also provided to children facing connectivity issues and and life skills sessions.
best aspiring football talents, selected through a pan-India financial assistance towards the larger vision of strengthening Some basketball legends who participated included NBA 13,000+ instructors
scouting drive. With equal focus on academics and sports, India’s football ecosystem. legends Sam Perkins and Nikoloz Tskitishvili; WNBA players Providing coaching under the Reliance
Sydney Colson, Azura Stevens, Dearica Hamby and Ebony Foundation Jr NBA Program worldwide

First time right: the star graduates of RFYC
From Aizawl to Chicago

I remember the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA
was held at an indoor stadium. When I went
there, there were different stations where the
coach could see our skills. I could see where I
Nita M. Ambani had to make improvements in my game and
Founder and Chairperson,
Reliance Foundation that experience was really important for me.
It was a stepping stone for me to be a part of
the NBA Academy, India.

It is a matter of great pride and joy for us that Lalhnehpuia Chhakchhuak
Sportsperson
our young champs from RFYC have embarked
The first batch of nine players who graduated from RFYC
Academy signed contracts with leading Hero ISL clubs on their professional footballing journey with NBA Academy graduate Lalhnehpuia Chhakchhuak in action
ISL. We started the academy in 2015 to provide
Nine players, who graduated as the first batch from the RFYC a pathway for talented young players across Wonder boy Lalhnehpuia Chhakchhuak’s At 18, Lalhnehpuia has reached an exciting pit stop in his
Academy in Navi Mumbai, began their professional football India to build successful professional careers journey. He is the only the sixth male athlete from the NBA
career by signing contracts with leading Hero ISL clubs - remarkable journey Academy India to opt for such a programme in the US.
Kerala Blasters FC, Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, in the sport. These boys arrived at RFYC in NBA Academy India graduate Lalhnehpuia Chhakchhuak The 6’1” Guard represented NBA Academy India at the
Mumbai City FC, Hyderabad FC. their early teens and I am delighted that they recently enrolled at North Park University in Chicago, 2018 and 2019 NBA Academy Games in Australia and the
These players, who joined RYFC in 2015, when the academy step out today as highly skilled players, who Illinois, for a college basketball programme in the US. US, respectively, as well as the Point Loma Nazarene Team
was founded, are its first batch of students. With a vision to have earned a place in the best football clubs Lalhnehpuia Chhakchhuak was introduced to basketball at Camp in San Diego in 2019.
make India a footballing superpower, RFYC selects the best in the country. the tender age of 6. His mother had played for her school
young talents through an all-India drive each year. team in Kolkata and his father was an Executive Committee
“In order to unlock the huge potential of Indian
The role of Reliance Foundation Young Champs member of the Mizoram Basketball Association. As a We are certainly excited to add a player like
football, we need to create a world-class 12-year-old, Lalhnehpuia represented Mizoram at the sub- Lalhnehpuia to our squad. In particular, we like his
RFYC offers talented athletes: ecosystem. That has been our goal at RFYC junior nationals in Nashik. Winning the Most Valuable Player size at the guard position and as he continues to
• Full scholarship at the academy, dedicating equal focus to over these last five years. Of course, these (MVP) award and a Gold medal at a state level inter-school get stronger, we can envision
academics and sports are still early days and a lot of hard work tournament in 2016 and 2017, Lalhnehpuia clearly showed how he can become an important piece
• Training under the tutelage of experienced international lies ahead for these boys at their respective he was above-average. within our Programme. His ability to play at
and Indian coaches, and access to world-class facilities clubs. But I am hopeful the training they have The role of Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program the speed and pace he prefers to play at is an
• High-quality education at the nearby Reliance Foundation received in all aspects – from technical skills, In 2018, Lalhnehpuia participated in the Reliance important characteristic for a guard to have.
Foundation Jr. NBA Program in Aizawl. Scott Fleming, the
School, giving them a holistic learning environment together physical fitness, and mental conditioning – will Technical Director at NBA Academy India, was immediately
with additional support from dedicated departments of hold them in good stead. I am keeping my impressed and invited him for tryouts, setting the Thomas Slyder
Sports Science and Sports Psychology North Park Head Coach
fingers crossed for their success!” foundation of his career.