Murky monsoon clouds and the oppressive humidity fail to dampen the spirits of these football lovers on a Saturday afternoon. An Under-12 youth league match is in progress. St. Mathews Recreational Club (SMRC) at Pozhiyoor, South Kollemcode, is in action against Little Flower Football Academy. The mini, buzzing ‘stadium grandstand’,occupied by young, ardent SMRC supporters, suddenly bursts into thunderous cheering as one of their boys slots home the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game.
In Pozhiyoor, otherwise a sleepy coastal hamlet some 35 km from the city, football is not a past-time but a part of its life and times. The testament is the sheer number of Santosh Trophy players the fishing hamlet has gifted the State over the years.
As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup kick-off nears, Pozhiyoor is busy making arrangements for its own version of one of the planet’s most watched sporting events. “Since 1998, we have been hosting the SMRC FIFA Model World Cup, with teams drawn from South Kollemcode. This is the ultimate event here that transcends every social and political barrier. The residents come together to celebrate a common love,” says Cleofas Alex, former assistant coach of Tamil Nadu Santosh Trophy team who hails from Pozhiyoor. The 12-team, three-day event that starts on June 22 will be preceded by much fanfare as the young and the old alike deck up the place in football themes and take out processions covering several neighbouring coastal villages. In the fray this year are Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Portugal, France, Belgium, Uruguay, England, Spain, Iceland, Russia, along with Pozhiyoor’s own special addition – India. Belgium are the current holders of the trophy.
“The South Kollemcode parish would be divided into 12 regions. Each unit represents a country and each team is accompanied by fans with their respective flags, jerseys and banners,” says Cleofas.
Teak replica trophy
If there are more than one claimant for a particular team, as is always the case, say Argentina or Brazil, the teams are allotted on the basis of lot.
Traditionally played as nine-a-side game at the stadium, this year, SMRC plans to make it ‘Sevens’ owing to the rainy weather for the league-cum-knockout tourney. The players would be kicking the ball around in full soccer gear and they would also be “named” after their international counterparts. The champions would be presented with a teak replica of the World Cup rolling trophy and a cash reward. Prizes are also up for grabs for the best procession and “variety celebrations” displayed on the opening day.
An Under-12 football match of SMRC players under way at the SMRC stadium in Pozhiyoor.
“Even some expatriates from here come down just to be part of the jamboree and fishermen keep the boats moored until their own World Cup is over,” points out Cleofas.
John Bosco, SMRC academy coach, says the idea behind the division of the block into 12 teams is to ensure ‘inclusive participation” from all the pockets. “There are about 2,000 families under the parish, and we are proud to say almost all of them are devoted to the beautiful game and in some way contribute to keeping our sporting tradition alive,” he says.
Each team is given the freedom to pick their squad and age is no bar. “Some of the players on the pitch model themselves after their star players with matching get-up and hairdo. From young boys to just about anyone who can kick a ball can play. That’s the beauty of our World Cup,” smiles John.
It is Pozhiyoor’s fervent wish to see India shine on the international football stage one day. “Our India team mostly comprises seniors such as former players who made the cut or coaches. We do believe India will one day play in the Fifa World Cup. It’s only a matter of time,” feels Seesan Selvan, a Pozhiyoor native who was the vice-captain of the Kerala team that clinched the Santosh Trophy this year.
As the first round of matches gather steam in Russia, Pozhiyoor will be enjoying “two World Cups” at the same time.
