All India Football Federation (AIFF) is all set to welcome a new corporate team DSK Shivajians to infuse professionalism and raise the competitiveness of Hero I-League, the premier football tournament of the country.
Although Shivajians Football Club was a familiar name in the Pune football circuit, it failed to hit the national stage primarily.
DSK Group, an avid supporter of football, acquired the club in 2010 and subsequently it was baptised as DSK Shivajians Football Club. Since then, it has been a glorious anecdote for the Pune club, especially in grassroots and youth development.
DSK Shivajians FC is the first Indian club to have a tie up with Liverpool Football Club, an EPL powerhouse, in terms of grassroots and youth development.
LFC International Football Academy-DSK Shivajians is one of the major footballer breeding factories in India and they have proven their worth in the national stage.
DSK Shivajians have made their debut in national stage in second division league in 2013. Albeit they have outsmarted five opponents out of eight in the group, a loss to Rangdajied United, eventual champions, hurt their maiden national outing.
Shirish Kulkarni, President, DSK Shivajians FC, was delighted at the development but seemed composed at the crucial juncture.
"We are really excited to be a part of the Hero I-League and we look forward to competing with all the big clubs of Indian Football. We know its going to be a big challenge for us but we have full confidence in our own abilities," he said.
Image: Players of DSK Shivajians
Photograph: DSK Shivajians/Facebook