The top-level divisions, namely the PFL Super and First Divisions, operate with a professional or semi-professional setup. These teams typically practice around three times a week, and players receive a monthly stipend as per prior agreement. In the lower divisions, players receive match fees per game, typically ranging between 50 and 300 rupees, along with conveyance allowances. However, certain low-budget teams may not provide any monetary benefits. Practices for these teams usually occur once a week, on average.
Most teams lack additional support staff such as physiotherapists or nutritionists, with the coach managing the team's financial matters and overseeing other aspects of the team.
During the pre-season phase, clubs conduct trials, and the final roster of twenty-two players is registered with the Mumbai District Football Association. It is prohibited for a player to represent two teams in the same calendar year.
The initial round-robin phase of the league typically lasts for three months, and the top-performing teams proceed to a month-long post-season phase to determine the champions and promoted teams.
Structure
PDFA (Poona District Football Association) Football League
The Super Division represents the highest level of competition in the PFL, which is organized by the Pune District Football Association.
Format
In this format, all teams participate in an all-play-all format, where each team plays against every other team. Following this preliminary phase, the top six teams from each group will advance to the postseason playoffs. It is important to note that the points and goals scored during the preliminary phase do not carry over to the next round. At the conclusion of the round-robin playoff league, the team standing in first place and the team standing in second place will be declared the winner and runner-up, respectively. Additionally, they will be promoted to the MAHA League for the 2018-19 season. Conversely, the two teams at the bottom of the preliminary league will be demoted to Division One for the 2019–20 season.
In this format, all the teams in the division are divided into two or more groups and compete in a preliminary phase of round-robin games. The top two teams from each group will progress to the postseason playoffs. It is important to note that the points and goals scored during the preliminary phase do not carry over to the next round. At the conclusion of the round-robin playoff league, the team standing in first place and the team standing in second place will be declared the winner and runner-up, respectively. Furthermore, they will earn promotion to the Super Division for the 2018-19 season. Conversely, the teams that finish last in their respective groups at the end of the preliminary league will be relegated to Division Two for the 2019–20 season.
Participating Teams
Aryans Sports A
Association Poona Social
City Club
City Police - Pune
Commandos FC A
Deccan XI FC B
Deccan XI FC D
Ghorpadi Young Ones XI
Giantz FC A
Gunners Football Club
JOLLY RANGEHILLS FC
PIFA
Rangehills Milan
Roopali SC A
Ghorpadi Tamil United
Sangvi Football Club A
TIGER COMBINE
UNITED POONA SPORTS ACADEMY A
Utkarsh Krida Manch A
VOBA
PDFA Second Division League
The Division Two has been announced by the Pune District Football Association (PDFA) and will feature twenty teams, similar to the previous year.
Format
In this format, all the teams in the division will be divided into three groups and participate in a preliminary phase of round-robin games. The top two teams from each group will progress to the postseason playoffs. It's important to note that the points and goals scored during the preliminary phase will not carry over to the next round. The post-season playoffs will consist of a league phase followed by a single-leg knockout format to determine the participants in the Division Two Final. All eight quarterfinalists will earn promotion to Division One for the 2019–20 season.
Participating Teams
AIYFA Sky Hawks B
Ashoka FC
Blue Stag Sports Academy
Central Railways - Pune
CMS Falcons B
Deccan XI FC C
FC BECKDINHO A (FCB-A)
FC Joseph
FC Shivneri
FIN IQ GOG FCC
GOLFA
Dynamites SC
Greenbox Chetak FC B
Khadki Blues A
KIRKEENS FC
NDA YSC
NEW INDIA SOCCER CLUB
Parshuramians SC B
PCH LIONS
Rahul FA
Ram Sporting A
RANGEHILLS YOUNG BOYS
Real Pune United
Sangam Young Boys C
Strikers FC A
SUKHAI FC
Swaraj FC
Unique Wanowrie FC
Valley Hunters FC
Wanwadi Sports Club
PDFA Third Division League
The Pune District Football Association (PDFA) has made the decision to restructure the Pune Football League, introducing the new PFL Division Three, which will be one of the largest divisions. This year, a total of 51 teams will participate in the third division.
Format
In this format, all the teams in the division will be divided into eight or more groups and compete in a preliminary phase of round-robin games. The top two or three teams from each group will progress to the postseason playoffs. It's important to note that the points and goals scored during the preliminary phase will not carry over to the next round. The post-season playoffs will consist of a league phase followed by a single-leg knockout format to determine the participants in the Division Three Final. All eight quarterfinalists will earn promotion to Division Two for the 2019–20 season.
