Andhra Pradesh Football Association: Empowering the Future of Football Under the Leadership of Sridhar Kotagiri

The Andhra Pradesh Football Association (APFA) has rapidly transformed into one of India’s most forward-looking football bodies, building a solid foundation for sustainable sports development across the state.
Since its establishment in 2023, and under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Sridhar Kotagiri, President of APFA, the association has worked relentlessly to place Andhra Pradesh on the national football map through innovative programs, world-class tournaments, and community-driven initiatives.

 

Transforming Andhra Pradesh into a Football Hub

 

In the past two years, the APFA has brought unprecedented momentum to football development in Andhra Pradesh. From grassroots engagement to professional league participation, the association’s efforts are designed to nurture homegrown talent, strengthen district-level associations, and promote inclusivity across genders and age groups.

Milestones and Achievements

 

The achievements of the Andhra Pradesh Football Association stand as a testament to its commitment and vision:

 

• ⚽National Championships: APFA has successfully hosted four National Championships on behalf of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) within just two years.

• 🏆Historic Finals Appearance: Andhra Pradesh made history by reaching the finals of the 2024 Junior Girls Nationals in Jaipur — the first time since Independence — and emerged as runners-up to Goa.

• 🌟Sub-Junior Success: The Sub-Junior Girls team advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 Nationals, marking steady growth in youth football.

• ⚡Tungabhadra FC in IW2: The APFA-initiated Tungabhadra FC represented Andhra Pradesh in the Indian Women’s League 2 (IW2) 2025, advancing to the next round after defeating North East and Pondicherry and drawing with Delhi.

• 🏅Khelo India Recognition: The Andhra Pradesh Women’s Team secured a wild card entry into the 2025 Khelo India Games, one of only eight states participating in both Women’s Football and Beach Football Nationals.

• 🎓Capacity Building: Nearly 100 participants have been trained through 2 Referee Programs and 3 AIFF Coaching License Courses, developing a stronger professional foundation for the sport.

• 🤝Corporate Collaboration:Nivia, India’s leading sports equipment brand, has partnered with APFA to provide football gear at subsidized rates, ensuring accessibility and support for grassroots development.

APFA’s Three-Point Program for Football Advancement

 

1. AP Supercup

 

To create a sustainable and competitive platform for emerging players, the Andhra Pradesh Football Association introduced the AP Supercup, an annual championship featuring 8 regional clubs representing different zones of the state.
Each team comprises local players alongside recruits from across India. The event, streamed live on YouTube, gained immense popularity among football fans.

 

In its first edition, Godavari FC lifted the trophy, winning ₹5 lakh prize money and earning entry into the I-League 3rd Division — a direct pathway to India’s top-tier Indian Super League (ISL).
For future editions, APFA aims to collaborate with franchise promoters to bring in sponsorships, enhance fan engagement, and elevate the tournament’s visibility on the lines of the IPL.

 

2. 32 Stars Initiative

 

The 32 Stars Program is one of APFA’s most ambitious long-term initiatives. Beginning in July 2025, 32 talented young players from humble backgrounds across Andhra Pradesh will join a three-year residential coaching camp.
This initiative provides full education, nutrition, accommodation, and coaching, preparing these athletes to qualify for the 2028 ISL auction and future international tournaments.
The program’s goal is to ensure that Andhra Pradesh becomes a recognized contributor of top-tier football talent in India.

3. APFA Legends (Grassroots Program)

 

To strengthen the base of the football pyramid, APFA launched the “APFA Legends” program focusing on U14 and U10 leagues. Each District Football Association (DFA) will manage local tournaments featuring six teams, named after football legends — Pele, Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, Bhutia, and Chhetri.

 

The initiative aims to engage 4,680 young players in its first year, turning weekly matches into family-friendly sporting festivals. To boost participation, APFA provides free uniforms and footballs to all district teams.

The first phase of APFA Legends begins this Diwali, with over 1,000 kids enrolled across eight districts.

 

APFA Super Cup 2026: The Next Chapter in Andhra Football

 

Continuing its legacy of organized excellence, the Andhra Pradesh Football Association proudly presents the APFA Super Cup 2026, one of the most anticipated state-level football tournaments of the year.

⚽ Participating Teams

 

• Coramandal FC

• Godavari FC

• Kolleru FC

• Nallamala FC

• Penna FC

• Tungabhadra FC

• Vamsadhara FC

• Visakha FC

📅 Official Match Schedule

 

Venue: Andhra Pradesh Football Association Grounds
Dates: 24 January – 31 January 2026

 

Round 1 – Day 1 (24-01-2026)
Round 2 – Day 2 (25-01-2026)
Round 3 – Day 3 (26-01-2026)
Round 4 – Day 4 (27-01-2026)
Round 5 – Day 5 (28-01-2026)
Round 6 – Day 6 (29-01-2026)
Round 7 – Day 7 (30-01-2026)
🏅 Grand Final – Day 8 (31-01-2026)

 

 

🕒 Scheduling Initiative – 20.5-Hour Rest Plan

 

To ensure fair play and player welfare, APFA has adopted an AIFF-aligned load management protocol:

 

• Kick-off Times: 08:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM

• Match Format: Each team plays once per day, totaling 7 matches (single round robin)

• Rest Period: Minimum of 20.5 hours between matches

• Medical Compliance: Matches are scheduled per AIFF’s load management and recovery standards, ensuring athlete safety and optimal performance

The Super Cup 2026 exemplifies APFA’s commitment to structured tournaments, professional planning, and transparent scheduling standards, elevating the stature of Andhra Pradesh football nationwide.

Message from the President

 

“Football for me is not just about winning — it is about uplifting an entire population. Countries with far fewer people than our state have achieved greatness through this sport. Together, we can make Andhra Pradesh a proud name in Indian football. I urge everyone to join hands in supporting this movement.”
— Sridhar Kotagiri, President, Andhra Pradesh Football Association

Conclusion: A New Footballing Dawn for Andhra Pradesh

 

With strong grassroots programs, structured tournaments like the APFA Super Cup, and visionary projects like 32 Stars and APFA Legends, the Andhra Pradesh Football Association is leading a football revolution in South India.
Under President Sridhar Kotagiri’s leadership, the association continues to nurture talent, promote inclusivity, and build pathways for Andhra players to reach the national and international stage.

For more information, updates, fixtures, and announcements, visit the official website:
👉https://apfa.in/ 

 

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