The Champions of Rajasthan are back on the field.

Our Zinc Football Academy’s girls kick off their campaign in the inaugural AIFF U-17 Women’s Youth League with a Group A clash against DFA Raisen. The match will be played tomorrow (Saturday) at RKM Football Academy in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, with kick-off scheduled for 1:30 PM.

This marks the first of three crucial group-stage matches, and ZFA will be keen to start strong on the national stage.

After a remarkable debut 2024–25 season, where the team clinched four titles – Rajasthan Senior Women’s League, Doon Cup, Rajasthan Asmita U-16 League, and DAV U-19 Championship, a new season begins with renewed ambition, but the same relentless hunger. With this being the inaugural edition of the competition, the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in Indian women’s football.

The squad heads into the tournament in excellent form, carrying confidence, belief, and momentum. Having already proven their dominance at the state level, the young tigresses are now eager to test themselves and make a mark nationally.

Head Coach Amrutha Aravind shared her thoughts ahead of the opener: “This is the biggest stage yet and a great opportunity for our young players to showcase their talent at the national level. We have been working very hard as a team, and we believe the results will reflect that. It’s important to start well… and we are hungry.”

DFA Raisen from Madhya Pradesh is the first challenge, and ZFA will look to set the tone early in what promises to be a competitive group.

ZFA Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sonam Ghosh; Thamina Fathima
Defenders: Nidhu, Shilpi, Manisha Patel, Aaliya Khan, Khushbu Kumari, Vandna, Savita Kalbeliya
Midfielders: Dangi Mardi, Divya, Bindiya Kumari Meena, Rahi Patel, Joha Khan, Bhanu Priya
Strikers: Antra Dolui, Sakshi, Sakshi Patel