Bengaluru, Karnataka – February 26th, 2024: South United Football Club (SUFC), Bengaluru's leading privately-owned Professional Football Club, proudly announces the expansion of its acclaimed Academy to Pune, marking a significant milestone in the development of football in the region. The esteemed South United Football Academy (SUFA) has also inaugurated three state-of-the-art training hubs in Pune, located in Bavdhan, Kharadi, and Undri.

SUFA's vision in Pune signifies a progressive pathway, welcoming aspiring footballers from as young as 3 years old to embark on their footballing journey. The Academy will offer three distinct programmes: the Toddler Development Programme (ages 3-5), their flagship Youth Development Programme (ages 5-18), and Elite Youth Teams (Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17), where talented athletes would be provided with full scholarships and a pathway to the Senior Team.

Following the successful implementation in Bengaluru, South United Football Club aims to replicate this dynamic pathway in Pune. This was revealed during a media outreach event held at the Ganga Legends Sports Complex Academy in Bavdhan.

SUFA is committed to providing a supportive environment that implements international coaching standards, enhances existing infrastructure, and contributes to the overall footballing ecosystem to prioritize the development of local football prodigies.

The leadership team of SUFC, including Mr. Sharan Parikh, Director, SUFC, Mr. Terence (Terry) Phelan, Sporting Director, South United Sports Foundation, and Mr. Sachin Badadhe, Head Coach, SUFC, were present at the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Parikh emphasized South United's commitment to youth development and its larger vision of creating a self-sustainable ecosystem in football.

Mr. Terence (Terry) Phelan, Sporting Director of South United Sports Foundation, expressed excitement about the expansion into Pune and highlighted Pune's aspiring players and the required infrastructure for football to thrive.

SUFA has partnered with Pune-based Ileseum Clubs for their centres in Bavdhan, Undri, and Kharadi. The centres in Bavdhan and Kharadi boast an 11-a-side pitch, while Undri has a 7-a-side pitch. SUFA will also run their Elite Programme, providing scholarships to selected players starting in Bavdhan and Kharadi.

The event commenced with a short film showcasing SUFC's journey, followed by an engaging penalty shoot-out challenge for the media personnel present.

About South United Football Club:

In 2012, South United Football Club made its debut in the I-League Second Division, marking the beginning of our journey. Since then, we have consistently showcased top-tier performances in Karnataka's football arena, underscoring our commitment to nurturing local players and young athletes.

Our overarching objective at South United Football Club is to actively contribute to the advancement of Indian football and encourage the nation's youth to view a career in the sport as a viable pursuit. To realize this vision, we are dedicated to engaging with football at various levels. This includes establishing academies and state-of-the-art infrastructure nationwide, organizing sports events, and extending support to underprivileged children through our foundation, all while maintaining a competitive edge on the field.

For more information about South United Football Club, visit www.sufcindia.com