The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced the results of its 2025 Academy Accreditation Programme, marking a pivotal step in improving player pathways and raising the standards of football academies across India. This year’s comprehensive evaluation process demonstrates the federation’s commitment to shaping a more professional and structured youth development system that will drive Indian football forward.
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Groundbreaking Changes in 2025-26 Accreditation Process
New measures introduced by AIFF in 2025 placed a greater focus on gender equality and grassroots growth. The accreditation framework underwent significant reforms this year, with academies with girls’ teams and women’s staff receiving recognition for the first time in the programme’s history. This progressive step marks a historic moment towards gender inclusivity in Indian football development.
Performance in youth leagues, contributions to national squads, and participation in the extended Blue Cubs League also influenced the final ratings. The evaluation criteria expanded beyond traditional metrics to include comprehensive assessments of academy infrastructure, coaching quality, player development pathways, and organizational excellence.
| 2025-26 AIFF Accreditation Overview |
|---|
| Total Applications: 142 academies |
| Five-Star Academies: 3 (Bengaluru FC, Punjab FC, Reliance Foundation Young Champs) |
| Four-Star Academies: 4 (Alchemy International FA, FC Madras, Minerva Academy FC, Jamshedpur FC) |
| Three-Star Academies: 23 academies |
| Two-Star Academies: 72 academies |
| One-Star Academies: 32 academies |
Elite Five-Star Accreditation Winners
This year, 142 academies applied for evaluation, with only seven earning the top four- and five-star ratings. The process goes beyond footballing results, rewarding academies for inclusivity, organisation, and long-term player development.
Three academies achieved the coveted five-star accreditation status:
Bengaluru FC – Continuing their excellence in youth development, the Blues’ academy maintained its position as one of India’s premier football talent factories. The club’s systematic approach to player development and professional infrastructure set the benchmark for Indian football academies.
Punjab FC – The northern club’s academy earned recognition for its comprehensive development programs and commitment to nurturing young talent across multiple age groups.
Reliance Foundation Young Champs – The corporate-backed academy’s investment in infrastructure and coaching excellence paid dividends in achieving the highest accreditation level.
Four-Star Excellence Recognition
Four academies secured four-star accreditation, demonstrating high standards in youth development:
- Alchemy International FA – Recognized for their innovative coaching methodologies and player development programs
- FC Madras – The southern academy’s consistent performance in youth competitions earned them elite status
- Minerva Academy FC – Punjab-based academy’s commitment to grassroots development was acknowledged
- Jamshedpur FC – The ISL club’s systematic approach to youth development secured them four-star recognition
Comprehensive Three-Star Academy Network
Twenty-three academies received three-star accreditation, representing a strong middle tier of Indian football development. Notable inclusions among these academies demonstrate the widespread improvement in youth football infrastructure across the country.
Key three-star academies include established names like Mumbai City FC, which continues to invest in youth development despite not achieving the highest rating. Community-focused academies such as Football 4 Change Academy and regional powerhouses like South United also earned recognition in this category.
- Adrenaline Sports
- ARA FC
- Altius International Football Academy
- Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools – Delhi
- Community Football Club India
- Corbett FC
- Don Bosco Vaduthala
- First Kick School of Soccer Academy
- FC Mangalore
- Football 4 Change Academy
- Kenkre FC
- Mumbai City FC
- Maharashtra Oranje FC
- MUM – D’souza Football Academy
- PFC Kerala
- Sreenidhi Deccan Football Club
- South United
- SSE BFC Soccer Schools (Mumbai)
- Sports Mania
- Roots Football Club
- Somaiya Sports Academy
- Techtro Lucknow FC
- Zinc Football Academy
| Regional Distribution of Top-Rated Academies |
|---|
| North India: Punjab FC, Minerva Academy FC, Alchemy International FA |
| South India: Bengaluru FC, FC Madras, Mumbai City FC, South United |
| East India: Jamshedpur FC, various state-level academies |
| West India: Multiple Mumbai-based academies, FC Goa |
| National: Reliance Foundation Young Champs |
ISL and I-League Club Performance
The involvement of professional clubs in the accreditation process highlights the commitment of top-tier Indian football to youth development. Several Indian Super League and I-League clubs feature prominently across different accreditation levels.
Among the two-star accredited academies, prestigious clubs like FC Goa, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, North East United FC, and Kerala Blasters Football Club demonstrate that even established professional clubs must continuously improve their youth development systems to achieve elite status.
This distribution shows that professional status doesn’t automatically guarantee top accreditation, emphasizing the AIFF’s commitment to merit-based evaluation regardless of a club’s senior team success.
Two-Star Accreditation
- SESA Football Academy
- Mumbai Soccer Prodigies
- Conscient Football
- PUNE-UKM Kothrud FC
- Muthoot Football Academy
- Snigmay Pune Football Club
- BIDHANNAGAR MUNICIPAL SPORTS ACADEMY
- SKM SPORTS FOUNDATION (KALNA)
- Bravo Football
- Adamas United Sports Academy
- CLASSIC FOOTBALL ACADEMY
- Conscient Football Mumbai
- Hungry Hearts Soccer School
- BENGAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY
- FC Marina Academy, Chennai
- Murugappa Youth Football Academy
- Thane City FC
- AC MILAN ACADEMY KERALA
- Dempo Sports Club
- PEHLUM LAMHIL LAWM
- Thadam FC
- FC Goa
- SETHU, MADURAI
- Numaligarh Refinery Limited Football Academy
- North East United FC
- Raman Sports Academy
- KFTC Football Academy Kozhikode
- Kickstart FC Karnataka
- Mumbai – Football School of India
- BBFS Shillong
- Snipers Football Club
- United Sports Club
- REGULAR FOOTBALL COACHING CENTER
- East Bengal FC
- Artz N India Football Club, Dindigul
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant
- Namdhari Sports Academy
- Aazura Football Academy
- Brothers Sports Association
- Vels Football Club
- RKM FOOTBALL ACADEMY
- The Sports School
- ASUFII FA
- Inter Kashi
- FC Tamilions
- Sportiqo Football Academy
- Bangalore City FC
- Belgaum United Football Academy
- Gokulam Kerala FC
- Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy
- ELITE FA
- The Soccer Academy
- FC Madurai
- Sirukalathur Galatipet Football Club
- Rising Pune F.C.
- Reeds FC
- 4 For All Football Academy
- Panihati Fashion Zone Football Academy
- Pune Pioneers F.C.
- Shillong Lajong FC
- TYDA
- Bhawanipore FC
- Dream Big Soccer School India, Karur
- SP FOOTBALL ACADEMY
- Great Goals
- Savvy Swaraaj FC, Ahmedabad
- TLT SPORTS ACADEMY
- Conscient Football Bangalore
- Kerala Blasters Football Club
- NOVA Football Club
- Sportto Soccer Club
- Real Kashmir FC
Gender Inclusivity: A Revolutionary Step Forward
For the first time, academies fielding girls’ teams in youth categories were recognised within the accreditation framework, marking a historic step towards gender inclusivity. Every female employee working within the academy ecosystem was also acknowledged with additional points, reinforcing AIFF’s commitment to creating equal opportunities in football.
This progressive approach aligns with global best practices in football development and demonstrates India’s commitment to growing women’s football at the grassroots level. The recognition of women’s participation both as players and staff members sets a precedent for future accreditation cycles.
One Star Accreditation
- POLOI FOOTBALL CLUB
- Sanjeevan Sports Academy
- Rudra FC
- A & N Soccer School
- SAIL FOOTBALL ACADEMY, BOKARO, JHARKHAND
- India Rush Soccer Club
- Little Star Academy
- Yazhi Football Club
- Northern United Football Club
- Kodagu FC
- Infocus Sports Academy
- SP ONE FOUNDATION
- Sporthood FC
- SANG-GAI HEROES
- New Football Club Kerala
- LUCKNOW FALCONS FOOTBALL CLUB
- Raman Vijayan Soccer School
- SADAR HILLS FA
- Rebels FC
- Kahaani Football Club
- SOUTH DUMDUM MUNICIPAL SPORTS ACADEMY
- STEMFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB JABALPUR
- Oscar Foundation- Mumbai
- Puzhal Football Coaching Association
- Alpha Sports Academy
- Mahogany FC
- CHIKIM FA
- LAMKA FA
- MUVANLAI ATHLETICS
- City FC Pune
- Athlead Football Club
- Nashik Juniors Football Club – Nashik
Performance-Based Evaluation Criteria
Performance was another key factor, with academies rewarded for their teams’ results in previous Youth League campaigns. The evaluation further encouraged local player development by awarding points to academies that consistently fielded players developed within their own systems.
This merit-based approach ensures that academies focus not just on infrastructure development but also on producing tangible results in terms of player development and competitive performance. The system rewards academies that can demonstrate successful pathways from youth to professional football.
New Youth Competition Structure Unveiled
Alongside the accreditation results, a new competition structure for the AIFF Youth Leagues was also unveiled to ensure greater inclusivity and a stronger competitive pathway. Under the new system, ISL clubs, I-League clubs, state-nominated academies, and five and four-star accredited academies will receive direct entry into the group stage.
The revamped league will feature 80 teams in the main stage, split into 10 regional groups of eight. Each side will be guaranteed at least 14 matches, giving young players more consistent game time and better development opportunities. This substantial increase in guaranteed matches addresses a long-standing concern about insufficient playing opportunities for young players.
All other academies will compete in qualifying rounds, ensuring that every accredited academy has a pathway to elite competition. The remaining spots in the groups will be filled by academies advancing from the qualifiers, ensuring a wider pool of teams gets a chance to compete.
Impact on Indian Football’s Future
The Academy Accreditation Programme represents more than just a ranking system—it’s a blueprint for Indian football’s future. By establishing clear standards and rewarding excellence in youth development, the AIFF is creating a sustainable foundation for long-term success.
The programme’s emphasis on inclusivity, particularly regarding women’s football, signals a comprehensive approach to football development that recognizes the need for diverse participation at all levels. This holistic vision aligns with India’s broader sporting ambitions and Vision 2047 goals.
State Association Collaboration
The success of the accreditation programme reflects strong collaboration between AIFF and State Football Associations across the country. This partnership approach ensures that national standards are implemented at the grassroots level while respecting regional variations and local expertise.
Multiple state associations have seen their academies achieve accreditation, including strong representation from Western India Football Association, Karnataka State Football Association, Punjab Football Association, and Tamil Nadu Football Association. This geographic diversity demonstrates the programme’s nationwide impact.
Quality Over Quantity Approach
The stringent evaluation process, which saw only seven academies achieve four and five-star ratings from 142 applications, demonstrates the AIFF’s commitment to maintaining high standards. This quality-focused approach ensures that accreditation carries genuine meaning and value in the Indian football ecosystem.
The substantial number of academies achieving lower ratings provides clear pathways for improvement, with specific feedback mechanisms helping academies understand areas requiring development. This constructive approach encourages continuous improvement rather than discouraging participation.
Here is the list of accredited academies for the 2025-26 season.
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FAQs
Which academies received five-star AIFF accreditation for 2025-26?
Three academies earned five-star accreditation: Bengaluru FC, Punjab FC, and Reliance Foundation Young Champs, representing the highest standard of youth development in Indian football.
How many academies applied for AIFF accreditation in 2025-26?
A total of 142 academies applied for AIFF accreditation in 2025-26, with evaluations conducted based on infrastructure, inclusivity, organization, and long-term player development criteria.
What new features were introduced in the 2025-26 AIFF accreditation process?
The 2025-26 process introduced gender inclusivity measures, recognizing academies with girls’ teams and female staff, while also emphasizing performance in youth leagues and contributions to national squads.
How will the new youth competition structure work?
The new format features 80 teams in the main stage across 10 regional groups, with ISL clubs, I-League clubs, and four/five-star academies receiving direct entry while others compete in qualifying rounds.
What is the significance of AIFF academy accreditation for Indian football?
AIFF academy accreditation establishes national standards for youth development, creates structured pathways for young players, and ensures consistent quality across India’s football academy ecosystem, supporting the country’s long-term football development goals.
