The Delhi Youth Football League, organised by the Delhi Soccer Association under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), primarily targeted the U-19 and U-17 age groups, with 4-5 matches dedicated to the U-15 and U-13 categories. The tournament began on 22 November 2023 and concluded on February 11, 2024.
Signature Football Club (SFC) invited The Neuroaid & Research Foundation (NRF) to be their official on-field physiotherapy partner during their matches. The tournament venues were strategically planned, such that each team played at least 10 home matches, with the rest held away from home. NRF provided physiotherapy support for all matches played on SFC’s home ground.
NRF physiotherapist Dr Rahul Thakur at the SFC home ground
The league environment played a crucial role in promoting learning among students. NRF called in students from GD Goenka University (GDGU) and Banarsi Das Chandiwala Institute of Physiotherapy (BCIP), offering them a hands-on learning experience about sports injuries and their management. This opportunity allowed students to build their knowledge in various physiotherapy settings. On-field physiotherapy differs significantly from clinical setups, requiring fast decision-making, quick injury assessment, and first-aid skills. This exposure helped students understand injury mechanisms and management skills, as they enthusiastically participated in off-field assessments and assisted NRF professionals in pre-match preparations. With the game having become more technical, students were also taught about formations, offside rules, and various playing techniques, motivating them to learn more. The increasing complexity and scope of injury management in football necessitate a keen eye and thorough biomechanical evaluation
NRF’s Rahul Thakur supported by students from GDGU and BCIP
The league was intense, with athletes demonstrating elite-level physical fitness and enduring physically challenging matches. The full-length ground, adhering to AIFF standards, required physios to be alert and ready to address injuries anywhere on the field. While renowned Clubs like Garhwal Heroes and Juba Sangha FC had their own physios, clubs such as The Dream Team and UKFC relied on NRF for physiotherapy support during matches at SFC’s venue. Halftime was a critical period for reassessing and managing injuries. During SFC’s matches, NRF shifted from being the central physio team to SFC’s dedicated physios, providing pre- and post-match sessions and ongoing injury care.
NRF’s Rahul Thakur managing injuries while promoting on-site learning
Throughout the league, NRF treated a variety of injuries, from clavicle fractures to partial subluxations of the shoulder joint, tackling each of them most competently and professionally.
