Bengaluru FC Reserves and Academy, also known as Bengaluru FC B, is Bengaluru FC's most senior youth team, and also acting as a reserve team. It participates in Bangalore Super Division and Reliance Foundation Development League. Bengaluru FC Academy is the youth setup of Bengaluru FC. Its teams participate in Youth League, Junior League and Sub Junior League tournaments.
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| Full name | Bengaluru FC B | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Blue Colts | ||
| Founded | July 20, 2013[1] | ||
| Ground | Bangalore Football Stadium, Bengaluru | ||
| Capacity | 8,400 | ||
| Owner | JSW Group | ||
| Chairman | Sajjan Jindal | ||
| Head coach | Bibiano Fernandes | ||
| League | Bangalore Super Division Reliance Foundation Development League Youth League | ||
| 2023-24 | Champion | ||
| Website | Club website | ||
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In July 2020, Asian Football Confederation conferred two-star Academy status to Bengaluru FC Academy, one of only two academies in India.[2]
Reserves edit
In October 2017, Bengaluru FC announced 28-member squad, which would act as a reserve side called Bengaluru FC 'B', led by Naushad Moosa and would compete in I-League 2nd Division for 2017–18 season. Reserve team would also act as a bridge between the BFC Academy and the first team.[3] Reserves team made their first appearance in the annual G.V. Raja football tournament in Thiruvananthapuram.[4]
The reserves team participated in 2017–18 Bangalore Super Division and were placed fourth in the league, following the conclusion of the tournament, the team also participated in 2017–18 I-League 2nd Division and finished second in the group stage. Bengaluru FC 'B' won their first trophy under Naushad Moosa when they won 2018 Puttaiah Memorial Cup.[5] The same season reserves team also won 2018–19 Bangalore Super Division for the first time, and remained undefeated with 7 wins and 1 draw in 2018–19 I-League 2nd Division.[6][7] In 2023–24 season of BDFA Super Division League, they emerged as unbeaten champion.[8][9]
Squad edit
- As of 3 August 2019[10]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Results edit
| Season | Tournament | Zone | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Bangalore Super Division | — | 4th |
| 2nd Division | Group C | Group stage – 2nd | |
| 2018–19 | Puttaiah Memorial Cup | — | Winners |
| Bangalore Super Division | — | Winners | |
| 2nd Division | Group A | Group stage – 1st | |
| 2019–20 | Bangalore Super Division | — | Winners |
| 2nd Division | Group B | League suspended | |
| 2020–21 | Bangalore Super Division | — | Runners-up |
| 2021–22 | Bangalore Super Division | — | 4th |
| RF Development League | — | Winners | |
| Next Gen Cup | Midlands | 4th | |
| 2022–23 | |||
| Puttaiah Memorial Cup | Group B | Semifinals | |
| Bangalore Super Division | — | 5th | |
| 2023 Stafford Challenge Cup | Group C | Group stage – 4th | |
| I-League 2 | Group C | Group stage – 3rd | |
| RF Development League | — | Winners | |
| Next Gen Cup | Group A | 7th[11] | |
| 2023–24 | |||
| Puttaiah Memorial Cup | — | Round of 16 | |
| Bangalore Super Division | — | Winners |
Coaching Staff edit
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head coach |  Bibiano Fernandes
|
| Assistant coach | Kaizad Ambapardiwalla
|
| Physiotherapist | Rahul CR
|
| Video analyst | Prateek Chopra
|
| Goalkeeping Coach | Parshuram Salwadi
|
| S&C Coach | Nishad Nagaraj
|
| Kit Manager | Krishna Khati
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| Kit Manager | Ravi
|
| U 15 coach |  Jason Brindley
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| Goalkeeper coach | Rashid Nalakath
|
| Coach U13 | Jeevan Jayaraj
|
| S&C Coach | Dhruv Balaram
|
| Physiotherapist | Girish Raj
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| Asst. Physiotherapist | Roy
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Coaches edit
Naushad Moosa (2017–2022)
Jan Van Loon (2022–2023)- Bibiano Fernandes (2023-present)
Academy edit
With the inception of Bengaluru FC in 2013, Bengaluru FC also started youth academy with the aim of "nurturing talent within the lower age groups with the possibility of creating players who are fit to represent the Blues’ first team." under Richard Hood as Head of Youth Development.[12] Three years later in July 2016, Bengaluru FC started a residential academy at Vijaynagar, near Bellary under John Killa.[13]
Under–18 edit
Bengaluru FC youth team first participated in 2014 I-League U19, in Rest of India zone along with Hindustan, Aizawl, and Garhwal, where they placed second in the group stage and could not advance. In 2014–15 I-League U19 season, they were placed last in the group stage of Rest of India zone. In 2015–16 I-League U18, they were placed third in the group stage. After the set up of residential academy, U18 team convincingly won their group in Rest of India zone in 2016–17 season defeating Ozone FC and Fateh Hyderabad, while remaining unbeaten. [14] In final round the U18 team finished third in the group failed to advance to the semifinals.
Squad edit
- As of 22 September 2019[15]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Under–15 edit
Bengaluru FC participated in the first ever U15 Youth League tournament and were placed in Rest of India II zone with Ozone FC, Fateh Hyderabad, Boca Juniors FS, Kovalam FC, Mahogany FC. Bengaluru finished second behind Ozone to qualify for national finals. In final round Bengaluru U15 drawn into Group A along with United, Aizawl and Sporting Goa. Bengaluru U15 placed third in the group stage and failed to advance.[16] In 2016–17 season Under–16 team, playing in Rest of India zone (Goa) also won the group stage, winning all three games against Dempo, Salgaocar and Sporting Goa,[17] however they lost to eventual champions, Minerva Punjab in the semifinals.
In 2017–18 season Under–15 team, won the Karnataka zone to qualify for national finals. In final round the team was clubbed with MSP FA, SAI Guwahati and FC Goa. Bengaluru topped the group and entered the semifinals, were they lost in penalty shoot-out to DSK Shivajians.
Notable alumni edit
In November 2016, Calvin Abhishek became the first academy graduate to be selected for the senior team.[18] In August 2017 Bengaluru FC added two academy graduates, defender Prashanth Kalinga and forward Leon Augustine, to the squad for 2017 AFC Cup knockout rounds.[19]
| Name | Position | Bengaluru Career | League Appearances | League Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin Abhishek | Goalkeeper | 2016–2018 | 0 | 0 |
| Prashanth Kalinga | Defender | 2015–2017 | 0 | 0 |
| Leon Augustine | Forward | 2017–present | 14 | 2 |
| Paikhomba Meitei Khumanthem | Midfielder | 2021–present | ||
| Lalpekhkua | Forward | 2021–present |
Soccer schools edit
In April 2014, the academy also started the initiative of Soccer schools to conduct summer camps, provide training and scout young talents. Soccer schools are currently operated at 5 locations in various parts of Bengaluru.[20][21]
Coaches edit
- Richard Hood (2013–2015)
- John Killa (2015–2018)
- John Kenneth Raj (2018–present)
Results edit
| Season | Tournament | Zone | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Under-19 | Rest of India | Zonal Group stage |
| 2014–15 | Under-19 | Rest of India | Zonal Group stage |
| 2015–16 | Under-15 | Rest of India II (Bengaluru) | Group stage[16] |
| Under-18 | Rest of India | Zonal Group stage | |
| 2016–17 | Under-16 | Rest of India (Goa) | Semi–finals |
| Under-18 | Rest of India | Group Stage | |
| 2017–18 | Under-13 | Karnataka | Disqualified |
| Under-15 | Karnataka | Semi–finals | |
| Under-18 | Chennai–Karnataka | Final round | |
| 2018–19 | Sub-Junior | Bengaluru Group B | Runners Up |
| Junior | Bengaluru Group A | Runners Up | |
| Elite | Karnataka–Andhra | Final round | |
| 2019–20 | Sub-Junior | Bengaluru Group A | Suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic in India |
| Junior | Karnataka Group B | ||
| Elite | Chennai & Bengaluru | ||
| 2022–23 | Elite | Group J | Group stage |
| 2023–24 | Elite | Group F | TBD |
Honours edit
- Reliance Foundation Development League[22][23]
- Champions (2): 2022, 2023
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "JSW Sports launches Bengaluru FC". I-League. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ "AFC endorses AIFF with full membership of AFC Elite Youth Scheme". 4 July 2020. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Bengaluru FC 'B' ready for inaugural season". 12 October 2017. Archived from the original on 31 January 2018. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
- ^ "G.V. Raja football tournament". 12 October 2017. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
- ^ "Lalengzama to lead Bengaluru FC B in J&K Invitational Cup and Sikkim Gold Cup". bengalurufc.com. Archived from the original on 18 October 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ "Bengaluru FC B lifts BDFA Super Division Trophy by beating ASC". sportscafe.in. 27 December 2018.
- ^ "Bengaluru FC B finish 2nd Division campaign unbeaten". 30 March 2019. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ "BDFA Bangalore Men's Super Division 2023–24 Table". gcsstars.com. Bengaluru: GCS Stars Bengaluru. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- ^ "BDFA Bangalore Men's Super Division 2023–24 Leaderboard/Table". ksfa.in. Bengaluru: Karnataka State Football Association. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- ^ @bengalurufc (1 August 2019). "https://www.bengalurufc.com/bfc-b/bfc-b-squad/" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "PL Next Gen Cup: Bengaluru FC wrap up campaign with a 2–1 win over Sudeva Delhi FC". indiansuperleague.com. 25 May 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
- ^ "Academy | Bengaluru Football Club". Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ^ "JSW Bengaluru FC announces plans for Residential Academy". 13 July 2016. Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- ^ "Blue Colts draw against Ozone FA". 1 January 2017. Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- ^ "Bengaluru FC U18s set for Vedanta Youth Cup Campaign". bengalurufc.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
- ^ a b "U15 Youth League 2015–16". Archived from the original on 28 November 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ^ "Bengaluru FC through to final round of U16 Y-League". 30 November 2016. Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- ^ "A brush with the big stage". bengalurufc.com. 18 November 2016. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ^ "Roca announces blues squad for 2017 AFC Cup knockout rounds". Bengalurufc.com. 16 August 2017. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "BFC Soccer schools". Archived from the original on 24 November 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ^ "Centers – BFC Soccer Schools". Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ^ "Bengaluru FC crowned RFDL Champion after a thrilling title defence against Sudeva Delhi FC". indiansuperleague.com. Indian Super League. 14 May 2023. Archived from the original on 14 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Sports Desk, JE (14 May 2023). "Bengaluru FC Crowned RFDL Champion After A Thrilling Title Defence Against Sudeva Delhi FC". english.jagran.com. New Delhi: Jagaran English. Archived from the original on 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.