IKF Past Trials – Season-by-Season Growth Story
From 17 cities in Season 1 (2021) to 100 cities in Season 4 (2024-25), IKF National Trials have grown into India’s largest grassroots talent hunt.
Growth at a Glance
| Season | Year | Cities Covered | Participants | Players Shortlisted | Clubs Participated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S‑1 | 2021–22 | 17 | 2,000+ | 20 | 8 |
| S‑2 | 2022–23 | 40 | 5,000+ | 25+ | 16 |
| S‑3 | 2023–24 | 58 | 8,000+ | 116 | 20+ |
| S‑4 | 2024–25 | 100 | 10,000+ | 120+ | 25+ |
Figures marked with “+” indicate minimum confirmed counts; final audited numbers are available in the Season Reports PDF archive.
Season Capsules
Season 1 – The Pilot (Jan 2021 → Jan 2022)
Our inaugural 17-city run laid the foundation for a neutral, data-driven scouting culture. Twenty talented youngsters earned official trials with ISL & I-League academies— proving that structured access can beat pure chance.
Season 2 – The Expansion (Jul 2022 → Feb 2023)
40 cities, 5,000+ participants, and the launch of village-level satellite events made Season 2 a breakthrough year. 16 professional clubs attended the National Finals, shortlisting 25+ players on the spot.
Season 3 – Raising the Bar (May 2023 → Feb 2024)
With 58 host locations and 8,000+ young footballers in action, Season 3 set new benchmarks for inclusivity. Over 20 clubs identified 116 prospects, while the Career 360 pathway debuted to guide families beyond the pitch.
Season 4 – Century Cities (Mar 2024 → Jan 2025)
Concluding at Pune’s Balewadi Stadium on Republic Day, our 100-city trials welcomed 10,000+ participants. A record 25+ clubs attended, making Season 4 the most competitive Finals yet.
Download Detailed Season Reports
Full stats, success stories, and media coverage for each season are available in our PDF archive.