Roots Football Club, supported by B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. (BLK) under its CSR programme, was recognised at the inaugural Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) Annual Awards 2024–25 for its contribution to football development in Karnataka. The recognition reflects the club’s sustained efforts in building structured pathways for young and women footballers across the state.
Roots FC secured awards for Best Youth Development Club and Best Football Academy, reinforcing its focus on long-term training and player progression. The club’s women’s programme also received a major boost with Ura Dimri being named Emerging Player of the Year (Women).
Commenting on the achievement, Ms. Shruti Kashyap Choudhari, Director, B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. said,
“Our association with Roots Football Club has been built on the belief that young players need continuity and structure to progress beyond the youth level. At BL Kashyap, we believe that the true measure of impact lies in creating long-term opportunity, and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a platform for social transformation whether it is enabling young players to continue competitive football beyond the age of 18, or supporting women to pursue sport as a viable profession. The recognition at the KSFA Awards is encouraging, but more importantly, it reinforces our belief that sustained investment in grassroots ecosystems can create impact far beyond the field.”
The awards event was hosted by Mr. N. A. Harris, President of KSFA and Vice President of AIFF, and brought together key stakeholders from Indian football. Dignitaries present included Mr. Sunil Chhetri, former Indian national team captain; Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, President of AIFF; Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary of AIFF; and Dr. K. Govindaraj, President of the Karnataka Olympic Association, highlighting the growing emphasis on grassroots development.
In addition to its wins, Roots Football Club was shortlisted in several categories such as Best Club Management, Fair Play Award, and Best Women’s Club. Club personnel were also nominated for individual honours including Coach of the Year – Men, Youth Player of the Year, and Emerging Player of the Year – Men, reflecting the depth of the club’s development ecosystem.
BLK’s CSR association with Roots FC over the past three years has supported both the women’s side and the senior men’s team, ensuring continuity beyond youth football. In the senior men’s squad, more than 60 percent of players come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with the support enabling them to remain in competitive football beyond the age of 18 while pursuing structured career pathways.
Beyond on-field performance, the partnership has helped women players pursue football as a sustainable profession and generate income through the sport. This has led to greater acceptance of women’s participation in football within families and communities, extending the initiative’s impact well beyond the pitch.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 4:14 pm by Business Byte Team | Published by: Business Byte Team on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 4:13 pm | News Categories: Brand Post
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