DSK Shivajians F.C.

DSK Shivajians FC (founded as Shivajians Sports Club) was an Indian professional football club based in Pune, Maharashtra. The club was owned by the DSK Group, and competed in the I-League, then top tier of Indian football league system. It has also participated in Pune Football League. The club was founded as in 1987 in Shivajinagar, Pune, by Ashok Vanjari, Manoj Walvekar, Emanuel Jeevan, Moreshwar Dhumal, Viju Deshmukh and Frank Norman as a platform for entertainment and community engagement for the residents of the locality. The Club have played in the top tier of the Pune Football League since their formation in 1987, and have played the I-League from 2015–16 season. A direct entry into the League, and therefore were immune to relegation until 2018. The club is known for its youth development policy and was the first professional football club in India to have tied up with a major international football club in Liverpool FC, along with whom they run their academy. History The early years: 1987–1989 The club was formed on 6 August 1987, under the name Shivajians Sports Club, by the Late. Ashok Vanjari, Manoj Walvekar, Emanuel Jeevan, Moreshwar (Appa) Dhumal, Viju Deshmukh and Frank Norman. A community club, it served as a platform for competition, entertainment and engagement for locals from the Shivajinagar area in Pune. The club was affiliated with Pune District Football Association.