Great to see young football players from Northeast get recognition: Redeem Tlang

NorthEast United FC player Redeem Tlang described the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) as a transformative experience for budding youngsters climbing the ladders of Indian football.

In addition to the professional competitive experience that the RFDL provides, Tlang also appreciated the fact that it paves the way for players to relish the sport from their younger days. The 30-year-old said that tournaments like RFDL were missing during the time he was coming through the ranks in Meghalaya, and he is pleased that the current batch of youngsters have that chance to optimise their potential.

“It’s great to see young players from Meghalaya getting recognition and valuable game time through the Reliance Foundation Development League. Such competitions didn’t exist when I was growing up, and it’s wonderful that kids today have these opportunities. It allows them to experience and enjoy the game from a young age. The RFDL gives them a platform to show their skills at a competitive stage and grow as footballers,” Tlang said.

Tlang has had spells at multiple ISL clubs such as NorthEast United FC, FC Goa, and Odisha FC, alongside being a key part of the Highlanders’ Durand Cup-winning squad in 2024. He has scored nine goals and assisted four times in 104 appearances in the ISL. Asked to share some words of advice to players turning up in the current RFDL season, Tlang encouraged them to never back down from difficult circumstances and always have the valour to spark a comeback.

“Football is a rollercoaster ride; there will always be ups and downs. What matters is how you get back up and keep pushing. I am where I am today because I never backed down,” he said.

“We did not have proper football academies growing up”

The NorthEast United FC attacker credited the RFDL for structuring the footballing ecosystem in different parts of the country. He recollected a period when lack of proper infrastructure prevented the development of players during a critical phase of their career. In his own words, football camps in most of Meghalaya took place only during the weekends earlier, which marks a stark contrast from now when elite youth football tournaments like the RFDL are occurring there.

“Growing up in Shillong, we didn’t have proper football academies. Opportunities were limited, but the love for the game kept us going. I used to sneak out on weekends just to attend football camps organized by Meghalaya’s veteran players. Those sessions were priceless, as they shaped my game in ways I can’t describe,” Tlang said.

The Shillong leg of RFDL 2024-25 wrapped up with Jamshedpur FC handing a 4-1 defeat to Shillong Lajong FC at the Wahiajer Multipurpose Sports Complex Stadium on Thursday. Lawmsangzuala netted a hat-trick for Jamshedpur FC, whereas Heerangamba Seram notched one strike. Ricky Kharkongor was the sole scorer for Shillong Lajong FC. In an earlier encounter on the day, Classic FA triumphed over NorthEast United FC by 3-0, courtesy of a hat-trick by Bharat Lairenjam.

The top three teams – NorthEast United FC, Classic FA, and Jamshedpur FC – have qualified for the Reliance Foundation Development League National Group Stage.