ISL will be starting a Developmental League from this season for the reserve sides of the clubs. Developmental Leagues are very common in the top leagues around the globe but this will be the first Developmental League happening in India.
According to The Bridge, nine teams have agreed to take part in the inaugural developmental league of ISL. 8 ISL clubs along with RFYC will field their reserve teams in the league.
ISL Developmental League teams:
- ATK Mohun Bagan FC
- Bengaluru FC
- Chennaiyin FC
- FC Goa
- Jamshedpur FC
- Kerala Blasters FC
- Mumbai City FC
- Hyderabad FC
- Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC)
As of now, the remaining 3 ISL clubs: SC East Bengal, North East United FC, and Odisha FC have not yet confirmed their participation in the inaugural developmental league.
ISL has made it mandatory for all clubs to sign at least 4 developmental players (born after 1st January 2001). They will also have to name two development players in the matchday squad.
The reserve players and the developmental players will now get enough game time to showcase their talents and skills in the ISL Developmental League starting from this season.
It is expected that the Developmental League will start in mid-February of 2022 and if everything goes according to plan the tournament will be hosted in Navi Mumbai inside a bio-secured bubble.
