As the ball gets rolling for the 2014 FIFA World in Brazil, it is carnival time for all worshippers of the game. Far away in a small coastal village in South Kollemcode, Pozhiyoor, the residents get ready to kick off their own version of the World Cup. Fingers are crossed as the game in Brazil decides who gets to wear what colours for the finals of the game in Pozhiyoor.
“Sixteen teams, all drawn from the coastal areas from Valiyathura to Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, participate in the finals that is held two days before the FIFA final. The teams wear the colours of the countries that make it to the quarter final,” says John Bosco, secretary of of St Mathews Recreation Club (SMRC).
Football is not just a sport for citizens of Kerala, it is a deep rooted passion or even a way of life for many. The commencement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has kicked off football frenzy all across the state with fans of the golden game celebrating it with the same vigour as that of their counterparts all over the world.
It is this undying passion for the game that has Pozhiyoor in the limelight.
This bustling settlement is the home of SMRC – a reputed football club recognised by the Kerala Football Association that is celebrating its golden jubilee this year.
“SMRC was founded in 1954. It was registered as an Arts and Sports club when a group of fishermen united under the auspices of the St. Mathews Church Pozhiyoor, to pursue their passion – football,” says John.
“Over the years, the club grew into one of the major football clubs in the state, by moulding a group of talented footballers. In fact, many of our players have won and are winning accolades and being selected to play for major clubs and even securing permanent jobs with public sector units and government organisations,” he adds.
The club now has a football ground of its own too.
One of the major attractions of SMRC is the annual SMRC Football Tournament. “The tournament began 23 years ago and has grown to become a major footballing event in Thiruvananthapuram, with even major department teams such as Kerala Police, KSEB and Titanium participating,” mentions Bosco.
“The tournament played a major role in taking the game of football to the masses and bringing more budding footballers to our fold,” he adds.
Another highlight of the club is its Annual Sevens Football tournament which is held every year on the Easter day. The club is also planning a World Cup Model Football Carnival this year to celebrate the FIFA World Cup. “The participating teams in the Model World Cup would be allotted countries on a lot basis and they would play against each other in a two-day event. A replica of the world cup would be presented to the winner,” explains John. “Last year, 16 clubs participated in the two day event. We are expecting more teams and tighter competition this year,” he says.
The infectious spirit of football celebrated by SMRC has spread to the residents of Pozhiyoor as well, some of whom are equally excited about SMRC’s Model World Cup as much as their international Counterpart! “The 2010 Pozhiyoor model world cup was an experience in itself,” says Xavier M, a resident.
“Watching our own boys playing for our favourite international teams made us feel as if it is the real deal. Such was the vigour and excitement that we are eagerly looking forward to the next edition,” he remembers.
Pozhiyoor also has its fair share of female football fans. “I started watching football thanks to my late father, who was a passionate footballer himself,” says Leela, a young housewife who wants Team Argentina to life the world cup this year. “In fact, some of my friends and I find time from our busy schedules to catch the many local football tournaments whenever they are held,” she adds.
