Gnanam Foundation to Support Sri Lanka Youth Football

(From left): Ranjith Rodrigo (Vice-President, SLF), Jaswar Umar (President, SLF), Alliraja Subaskaran (Chairman, Lyca Gnanam Foundation), Prema Subaskaran and Prem Shivasami (Deputy Chairman, Lyca Gnanam Foundation) 

By Susil Premalal 

Sri Lanka Football (SLF) along with the Lyca Gnanam Foundation (LGF) yesterday, announced a series of innovative initiatives that are transforming the football landscape in Sri Lanka. 

These reforms are designed to strengthen the national team and elevate the sport to new heights in the Asian region. 

Under its new strategy, the Sri Lanka national football team is incorporating professional players and coaching staff, positioning itself to become a prominent force in South Asian football. 
The ultimate goal is to secure victory in the South Asian Championship, establishing Sri Lanka as a formidable contender. 

The partnership package between FSL and the LGF will be for three years at is Rs. 50m, President SLF, Jaswar Umar said during a media briefing in Colombo.  

A key component of this transformation is the development of youth football into a professional format. This approach aims to discover and nurture new talent, providing a clear pathway for young players to reach the national team. 

Central to this effort are two major youth competitions, with the Under-19 category being a critical focus. 

Branded as Y19, the first national youth league will be launched across the island, featuring an impressive 440 teams from 55 cities. This league will involve 11,000 players, 2,500 club officials, and over 1,000 coaches and referees in its initial phase. 

The final phase of the competition will culminate in 24 district teams, where the top talents will represent their districts, vying for the prestigious trophy. These district teams will be supported by local and international brands, enhancing the league’s appeal to the public. 

The Lyca Gnanam Foundation, founded in 2010 by Alliraja Subaskaran, is partnering with SLF to empower youth, both boys and girls, through football initiatives in every district. 

This partnership marks the beginning of a well-planned long-term journey, with the Lyca Gnanam Foundation committed to making football the people’s game across all communities. 
The first round matches of the tournament will be from July to September and the final round will be from October to December.