IKF Launches Apprenticeship Program with Tyger Capital & Tyger Home Finance at Nashik Trial

India Khelo Football (IKF), in collaboration with Tyger Capital and Tyger Home Finance, proudly announces the launch of a pilot apprenticeship program offering talented footballers above the age of 16 a unique pathway into the professional world—starting with Nashik.

This first-of-its-kind experiment will be launched during the IKF Season 5 trials in Nashik on 22 June, where eligible players will be scouted not only for their football skills but will also be provided livelihood means, allowing budding footballers to pursue their dream. Selected players will be offered internships at Tyger Capital and Tyger Home Finance under their"Tyger CUBS” program (Connect, Upskill, Build &Succeed).

A Vision That Goes Beyond the Field

The pilot is being anchored in Nashik in partnership with IKF REP Box2Box Sports,

“This is a big moment for Nashik. We’re not just scouting talent—we're shaping futures. This pilot will create real job opportunities,” said Sagar Rawal, a businessman and Box2Box Sports co-founder.

This project is set to boost local employment in Nashik, empower youth to pursue their sports aspiration while having a structured safety net through employment. The program has potential to redefine grassroots sports and become a genuine catalyst for economic upliftment.

Tyger: Redefining Support to the deeper level

Tyger Capital has introduced a structured apprenticeship program focused on under-18 footballers—an initiative that bridges the gap between grassroots sport and career development While many corporates support young athletes in their own way, Project Tyger CUBS stands apart as a football-centric initiative that blends sport, livelihood, and long-term development.

IKF acknowledges and deeply appreciates Tyger’s long-term vision—one that brings purpose to partnership and dignity to the dreams of young athletes.

“Tyger’s leadership brings meaning to the word ‘partnership’,” said Nirja Shekhawat, IKF’s official spokesperson. “Together, we are turning promise into purpose—offering families not just a dream for their children, but a dignified and secure future”.

Tyger Cubs: A Model for National Rollout

The initiative will begin as a pilot in Nashik, with close monitoring, documentation, and community feedback. Based on its success, IKF and Tyger plan to expand this model to other cities across India in the coming months—creating more pathways for players to thrive both on and off the pitch.