The second edition of the Xaverian Football League (XSL) was formally launched at a large press conference by the St. Xavier’s College (Calcutta) Alumni Association (SXCCAA), in proud partnership with the Department of Sports of St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata.

The event was graced by  Rev. Dr. Dominic Savio, SJ, Principal of St. Xavier’s College and President of SXCCAA, Mr. Firdausul Hasan, Honorary Secretary of SXCCAA, and attended by dignitaries, team owners, players, students, alumni, and members of the media.

The XSL Season 2 matches, which are set for May 10 and 11, 2025, will take place on the college grounds, a legendary location rich in history and youth. Since its inception in 2024, the league has quickly grown to become one of Kolkata’s most eagerly awaited youth-focused football competitions, garnering national recognition for its distinctive structure, motivational goals, and participation of football legends.

Eight corporately supported franchise teams compete in this year’s XSL, each with a carefully selected roster of players: one marquee player, one guest player, three current students, and three alumni. The result is a lively, intergenerational 5-a-side football format that places an emphasis on friendship, mentorship, and experience sharing. In addition to developing young football players, the league’s structure aims to promote deep interaction between current and former students.

The participating teams in XSL 2025 include:

1. Sharp Shooters, owned by Mr. Sanjib Koner, with Rahim Nabi as their marquee player

2. Credo Accelerate, owned by Mrs. Sudeshna Roy Choudhury, with Mehtab Hussain

3. Xaverian Tigers, owned by Mr. Faisal Haque, with Ashim Biswas

4. BTL Blasters, owned by Mr. Ravi Todi, with Md. Rafique

5. Levitas, owned by Mr. Vinod Lahoti, with Deepak Mandal

6. Digital Strikers, owned by Mr. Sunil Agarwal, with Denson Devadas

7. Warriors, owned by Mr. Atanu Malik, with Dipankar Ray

8. LOD Lions, owned by Mr. Amit Bajoria, with Alvito D’Cunha

XSL’s goals are still deeply anchored in the spirit of empowerment and connection: to encourage football among young people, to create enduring relationships between current students and alumni, and to introduce young football players to top players, which will hasten their development both on and off the pitch.

Prominent alumni members own each team, and eager business partners provide support. In addition, the league has the support of prominent organisations like the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and celebrity ambassadors.

Through its guiding ideals of networking, philanthropy, and fellowship, the St. Xavier’s College Alumni Association keeps innovating and setting an example. In addition to being a sporting event, the Xaverian Soccer League honours the organization’s history, dedication to holistic development, and unshakeable faith in the transformative power of sport and community.

Strengthening the Xaverian bond and providing a vibrant platform for up-and-coming talent, XSL 2025 promises to be two days of thrilling football, passionate cheer, and lasting connections.

Priyanka Dutta