Punjab FC Receives Award for Best Elite Youth Program in ISL 2024-25
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Synopsis
On April 14, Punjab FC was awarded the Indian Super League Award for Best Elite Youth Program for the 2024-25 season, highlighting their commitment to youth development and successful integration of academy players into the senior team.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab FC won the ISL Award for Best Elite Youth Program.
- The club fielded the youngest squad with an average age of 25 years.
- Nine academy graduates played in the senior team this season.
- The team led in minutes played by U23 players.
- Key milestones were achieved by young talents.
Mohali, April 14 (NationPress) Punjab FC has been honored with the Indian Super League Award for Best Elite Youth Program for the 2024–25 season, recognizing the club’s remarkable dedication to youth development and its effective integration of academy talents into the senior squad.
This season, the Shers showcased the youngest lineup in the league, boasting an average age of 25 years and 216 days, highlighting the club’s commitment to sustainable growth and future success. A remarkable nine academy graduates participated in the senior team, with six of them making their first-team debuts.
The club excelled in providing the highest number of minutes to teenagers and developing players, with U23 athletes logging a total of 7,522 minutes on the field—more than any other team.
Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis demonstrated a strong belief in youth, evidenced by the consistent performances of young talents like Abhishek Singh, Muheet Shabir, Pramveer Singh, Ricky Shabong, Manglenthang Kipgen, and Muhammad Suhail F.
The Shers also celebrated significant individual achievements this season, with Pramveer Singh becoming the youngest starter in ISL history, while Singamayum Shami emerged as the youngest goalscorer. Vishal Yadav became the third youngest debutant, and Muhammad Suhail distinguished himself as the third youngest assist provider.
This award represents a crucial milestone in Punjab FC’s goal to nurture emerging talent and enhance the Indian football landscape from the grassroots level.
The Shers started their campaign strongly, at one point sharing the top two positions with Bengaluru FC. However, as the season unfolded, they lost momentum, fell out of the top half of the table, and ultimately finished in 10th place, missing out on a playoff spot.
Despite the letdown, Punjab FC made considerable progress by smoothly integrating their academy players into the senior team, laying a solid foundation for the club’s future. In a season filled with aspirations that concluded in disappointment, the Shers constructed a squad capable of competing for years ahead.
