THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Young footballers should not only strive to improve their quality of play but must also realise that they can influence the values in their neighbourhood with the game, said Shashi Tharoor MP here the other day.
He was inaugurating the new residential academy of the Kovalam Football Club at Punnamkulam near Kovalam where 16 trainees from impoverished families living in the coastal belt will receive free football training, accommodation, food, education and medical insurance.
“It is because of the help from the locals and several well-wishers that you youngsters are getting this chance to stay and play in such good conditions,” Tharoor said. “I hope you can improve the quality of you own game using the facilities and also improve the community,” he added.
Service of special tutors to help the trainees with their homework, English language, and computer literacy has been arranged. A yoga instructor and physiotherapist, as well as a doctor on call, is also available.
“Lot of lies have been spread to destroy Kovalam FC. But we have crushed all those rumours and emerged as one of the leading academy sides in the state - be it in getting results on the field or creating a buzz in the social media,” said Ebin Rose, Kovalam FC coach. “Now what we need is for these players to continue playing. And this is where finance is important. We need corporates to sponsor the team. If that is possible, these boys can go on and represent India,” Ebin, a former Kerala and Travancore Titanium footballer, said.
“These 16 players know our philosophy, our style of play and our system. Now it is my responsibility to turn them into top class footballers who can compete at the national level through this residential academy,” said Ebin. Kovalam plans to add 200 students to its academy in five years’ time.