Kottappadi Football Stadium, Malappuram

Kottappadi Football Stadium also known as Malappuram Stadium is a historic football stadium in Malappuram, Kerala, India. The stadium is under the management of Malappuram District Sports Council located right at the heart of the CBD of Malappuram. Being one of the early places where football took its root, Malappuram is unequivocally considered to be the cradle of Indian football and this stadium owns much of its credit.^[1]

History

Malappuram has a long history with football, its bond with the game dates back to British Era in India. The historic Kottapadi Maidan or 'Kavathu Parambu' as it was known back then, has witnessed endless football battles between the natives and Britishers. Built first as a stud farm before Independence, it became a march past ground for the British Army where they also played football that drew interest in locals. Then people of the town grew up seeing the elders playing barefoot with the British army men in the ground, eventually going on to become a symbol of Malappuram’s football-centric culture.^[2] The stadium also has contributed many football players to national and state teams. Late Irumban Moideen who started playing at Kottappadi joined Royal Indian Air Force and represented India as well as Pakistan and was a team captain. International Moideenkutty, who played for the State in Santosh Trophy and Railways football team worn Indian jersey against Myanmar and Russia. Malappuram Azees, Former Santosh Trophy star M.R.C Chekku, Ali Akbar and Goalkeeper Manjakandan Aboobackar etc. are few others who made in to the fame league.

Events

Post Independence, the first official tournament reported to have been hosted by the stadium was the Moidu Memorial All-Kerala Football Tournament held in 1952. All-India Civil Service Tournament, Kerala Premier League, State Senior Football Championship and a slew of district and state football championships were also organised here.

Coaching & Practice

Currently Kerala Blasters FC Coaching center is stationed here^[3] along with city level coaching provided by Municipality. The stadium is home ground for Malappuram FC and was the practice turf for Gokulam FC.^[4]

Facilities

It has dressing rooms for two teams, rest rooms, referee rooms, VIP pavilion, two guest rooms and medical facilities. Stadium can accommodate 8,000 to 10,000 persons. Floodlights will be erected in the second phase of the renovation.^[5] And plans are there to increase the seating capacity so that bigger matches may be conducted.

References