Pune, April 28 (IANS): Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Pune City on Friday announced the signing of Pradhyum Reddy as the assistant coach of the senior and youth teams.

FC Pune City is the only ISL team to have a full-fledged residential academy set-up and boasts of having three junior teams (U-18, U-16, U-14) and a women's team, according to a release.

Commenting on the development, Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel said: "We are committed towards youth development and creating a seamless pyramid of progression. Our teams are playing in 4 out of the 5 national leagues that are organized by AIFF, making us the only football club to do so."

"In the coming years, we plan to commit more in our youth set. We have sought an approval from AIFF to create a reserve team that will play in 2nd division next year. To realise our vision of having a robust development platform, we are strengthening our technical capabilities and to my mind there is no one better than Pradhyum," he added.

Reddy is a Scottish-born Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "A" licensed coach. After working in the UK and the US for a decade, Reddy returned to India in 2009. 

He joined Shillong Lajong in the 2010 season and in his debut season got promoted to the I-League by winning the I-League second Division. 

On his new appointment at FC Pune City, Reddy said: "Being a part of FC Pune City set-up is a new challenge, which excites me. It's a very professional set-up and the training facility is one of the best in the country."

"The club shares the same vision on the direction in which Indian football should move ahead, as demonstrated by their commitment to their Academy, grassroots and all aspects of football development. I look forward to being a part of ISL as well," he added.