Punjab FC wins ISL award for Best Elite Youth Program

ANI April 14, 2025 132 views

Punjab FC has been recognized for its exceptional youth development program in the Indian Super League. The club's commitment to nurturing young talent is evident through their youngest squad in the league and record-breaking youth participation. Multiple teenage players achieved significant milestones, including the youngest starter and goalscorer in ISL history. This award underscores Punjab FC's strategic approach to building a sustainable football ecosystem in India.

"Our vision is to build a sustainable football ecosystem from the ground up" - Panagiotis Dilmperis, Head Coach
Mohali, April 14: Punjab FC has been awarded the Indian Super League Award for Best Elite Youth Program for the 2024-25 season, in recognition of the club's outstanding contribution to youth development and its successful integration of academy players into the senior team.

Key Points

1

Punjab FC fielded youngest ISL squad with 25-year average age

2

Nine academy graduates featured in senior team

3

U23 players accumulated record 7,522 league minutes

4

Multiple teen milestones achieved this season

This season, the Shers fielded the youngest squad in the league with an average age of 25 years and 216 days, underlining the club's vision for long-term growth and sustainability.

A total of nine academy graduates featured in the senior team, with six making their first-team debuts. The club led the league in giving the most minutes to teenagers and development players, with U23 players accumulating 7,522 minutes on the pitch--more than any other team, according to Punjab FC press release.

Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis' trust in youth was evident through consistent performances from youngsters like Abhishek Singh, Muheet Shabir, Pramveer Singh, Ricky Shabong, Manglenthang Kipgen, and Muhammad Suhail F. The Shers also celebrated key individual milestones this season with Pramveer Singh becoming the youngest starter in ISL history, Singamayum Shami emerging as the youngest goalscorer. Vishal Yadav became the third youngest debutant, and Muhammad Suhail stood out as the third youngest assist provider.

The award marks a significant milestone in Punjab FC's mission to nurture young talent and strengthen the Indian football ecosystem from the grassroots.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Amazing achievement for Punjab FC! 👏 The future of Indian football looks bright with such strong youth development programs. Hope other clubs follow their example!
P
Priya M.
So proud of our boys! The way they've performed this season shows what proper youth development can achieve. Special shoutout to Pramveer Singh - making history at such a young age!
A
Amit S.
While I appreciate the youth focus, I wonder if this approach might cost them in short-term results. Would love to see a balance between young talent and experienced players for better consistency.
S
Simran J.
This is exactly what Indian football needs! More clubs should invest in their academies instead of just buying foreign players. Kudos to Punjab FC for leading the way 💛
V
Vikram P.
Those stats are impressive - 7,522 minutes for U23 players! Shows real commitment to youth development. Hope we see some of these players in the national team soon.
N
Neha R.
Coach Dilmperis deserves huge credit for trusting these young players. Not many coaches would give teenagers regular playing time in the ISL. Future looks bright for the Shers! 🐅

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Tags:
Punjab FC Indian Super League Youth Football ISL Awards Football Development Panagiotis Dilmperis
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