DPDL Super Cup concludes with a resounding success

DPDL Super Cup, the country's first Super Cup tournament concluded successfully between 36 teams from different states all over the country. The event was sponsored by Acer, Dash Square, ICICI

Bank, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, and Kubo.

DPDL Super Cup, organized for Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 age groups, brought together young

players from premier football clubs and institutions across India. Alchemy International, JSW Bengaluru FC, Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Total Football Academy, Barça Academy, AC Milan Kerala, and Belgaum United Football Academy were among the 36 teams that participated.

The prestigious tournament, held at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Excellence, with world-class pitches and sporting facilities, from the 27th to the 30th of July. Crowds flocked in for the four-day event, with audiences filled with families, onlookers, and scouts, showing that the DPDL Super Cup offers a promising platform for exposure for those looking to progress in the Indian footballing landscape.

After thrilling group stage matches, the top four teams made it through to the semi-finals in each age

group. The Under 12 category saw Alchemy International beat Total Football Academy 3-1 in the first semifinal, while JSW Bengaluru FC won 3-1 against Soccerstar India.

In the Under 14 semi-finals, Belgaum United Football Academy edged a 1-0 victory against Kickstart

FC to set up a final with JSW Bengaluru, who beat Alchemy International in a thrilling encounter that

saw a last-minute penalty save, followed by a 4-2 shootout.

The Under-16 age category brought some high-quality football, with the travelling party from Mumbai, Reliance Foundation Young Champs, knocking out Total Football Academy after a close 1-0 tie to meet Bangalore-based Roots Football, who also won 1-0 against The Sports School.

The youth players showcased remarkable skill, determination throughout the

tournament. Alchemy International won 2-0 in the Under 12 age category, while Belgaum United

Football Academy won the Under 14 title in a hard-fought 1-0 win.

It was the Under 16 final that lived up to the hype, with Reliance Foundation Young Champs and

Roots Football showing superb defensive displays to keep each other out until extra time, when

RFYC scored a last-minute header from a corner to make it 1-0. However, Roots Football equalised a few seconds later to set up a nail-biting penalty shootout. Ultimately, Roots Football were named

champions after winning 4-2 in the shootout, cementing what will go down as a historic match in

DPDL history.

The outstanding players were rewarded with medals, plaques, and trophies. The awards in each age

category included the Dash Square Best Goalkeeper, Acer Best Defender, Kubo Innovative Player of

the Tournament, ICICI Bank Top Scorer of the Tournament, and Acer Player of the Tournament, with the winners collecting a gift coupon worth ₹50,000 to buy Acer laptops.

"We're thrilled to have such an overwhelming response to our inaugural Super Cup," said Sarthak

Dubey, founder and CEO of DPDL. "This tournament aimed to create an opportunity for young talents

to connect, learn, and grow. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by the participants surpassed all

our expectations. We're hoping to have an even bigger tournament next year."