The Hindu : Sport / Football : A reality in the making

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Sunday, Aug 22, 2010
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A reality in the making

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The decks have been cleared for the proposed football academy in Malappuram to become a reality.

The work on the first phase of the project, according to Malappuram District Sports Council president, A. Sreekumar, will commence in the first week of October. The academy is to come up at a 25-acre plot donated for the purpose by the Manjeri Municipality.

Giving details, Mr. Sreekumar told The Hindu here on Saturday, that a high-level meeting held the other day had identified the contractor for the project. The total estimated cost for the first phase is Rs. 11 crore. It is expected to be completed by June 2011.

The first phase will cover the work of the construction of the playfields, hostel building, a pavilion and galleries. Once the project gets into full swing, 60 trainees could be admitted into the academy which will have all the modern amenities.

Mr. Sreekumar said experts were being contacted to study the detailed sketches and provide inputs besides identifying the equipments to be bought for the smooth functioning of the academy. The proposal of having a training swimming pool at the same venue was also under consideration.

The Government has also provided Rs. 1 crore for the establishment of the academy. Further, Rs. 2.25 crore has been donated for the project by the Local Self Government institutions in the district. All 12 MLAs of the district have been asked to earmark Rs. 20 lakh from their Local Development Fund, while the two MPs are expected to chip in with Rs. 1 crore each.

A detailed project report will be submitted to the Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs shortly for securing its financial support, Mr. Sreekumar added.

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