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Don't worry about the loss

Ernakulam suffered a drubbing at the recent under-15 State championship but the new bunch of 13-year-olds offers promise, says STAN RAYAN

PHOTO: MAHESH HARILAL

BRIGHT FUTURE Promising youngsters at a summer camp in Kochi.

Adriano... Eto'o...

At the Regional Sports Centre's football tournament in Kochi the other day, there were some famous names sitting on the bench.

With the World Cup just days away, the football fever has spread at a very fast pace all over the city. And fed on international leagues through the big bouquet of sports channels almost all through the year, wearing jerseys of big stars and top teams is the in thing now.

The football bug has bitten even CBSE students, who seem to have time just for academics after they leave Std IX now. But surprisingly, the district's performance at the recent State sub-junior championship in Palakkad does not do any justice to the city boys' heightened interest in the beautiful game.

Kottayam walloped Ernakulam 5-0 in the first round at the Palakkad event the other day. Ernakulam had made it to the semifinals last year but this time, the team's performance was woeful.

Rich history

Kochi is a biggie in Kerala's football map. Apart from producing numerous stars, a few years ago the city was home to FC Kochin, the country's first professional club. Even the current State League champion, Viva Kerala, is from Kochi.

A few years ago, when the State under-14 championship made its debut, Ernakulam was the champion. Even in the sub-junior State championship, Ernakulam made it to the semifinals last year but this time, the team's performance was woeful.

"Our defence was not good this time," explained former international C. C. Jacob, the Ernakulam District Football Association secretary. "And we did not have a proper goalkeeper. Getting a good goalie is a problem, nobody wants to take a risk these days, fearing injuries."

A change in the upper age limit also did Ernakulam in. Last year, the sub-junior State was an under-16 championship but this year it was limited to boys under 15.

Change in rules

"We came to know of the change in the age-group rules rather late, so many of our top players could not make it to the team. In fact, we had to go hunting for the players for the event. The problem is, many parents stop sending their children for sport when they reach 14 or 15 years. The stress is on academics," explained Mr. Jacob.

"All the Kottayam boys (they lost to Kasargod 1-2 in the final) were from the district's Sports Hostel. They had prepared nicely for the event."

Ernakulam also has a Sports Hostel but it was closed for the summer vacation, said Mr. Jacob.

But all is not lost.

"We have a very promising bunch of 13-year-olds in the District Football Association summer camp at the Sacred Heart College Ground in Thevara. Some of them are very talented; they have great ball sense. The boys at the Regional Sports Centre are also good," said Mr. Jacob. "In two years time, Ernakulam will be a very strong side in the State. And the good thing is, there are many boys from CBSE schools too at the camp."

Ernakulam finished runner-up to host Malappuram in the under-13 State championship late last year, which sent some very positive signals.

For sure, the signs are good. But the football association has to find a way to retain the talent.

Convincing parents will be the key to the future.

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