Kerala to kick start women’s football league
Kerala football federation is planning to kick-start a women’s football league in the state. The first ever league for women will kick off in Wayanad later this month according to reports in Malayalam media.
Kerala football federation is acting at the behest of AIFF, who has instructed all state associations to set up women’s football league. Apparently, the national body is planning for a Women’s league in the lines of Indian Super League.
Wayanad, the hilly district in the north of Kerala will also be hosting the second season of Kerala Premier League. KFA is planning to start the women’s league before the finals of Kerala Premier League. Reports suggest that teams from ten districts have already registered for the Women’s league. Ernakulam, Idukki, Kasaragode and Palakkad are the districts that do not have a team now. While all district associations are enthusiastic about the league, they are facing problems in finding sponsors for the teams.
The championship will kick-off on 22nd April and the finals will be played on 30 April 2015. Teams are divided in two groups – A & B. Group A consists of Wayanad FC, Alleppey Womens FC, Kottayam Dinesh Soccer Club and Kozhikode Quartz FC. Group B will consist of Kovalam FC, Marthoma College FC (Pathanamthitta), Kollam Football Academy and Kannur WFC.
The main attraction would be the Wayanad FC team who apparently has recruited a host of national level players in to their team. P.V Priya who has earlier coached Indian U-19 team also coaches them. Other strong contender for the title would be Kovalam FC from Thrivananthapuram.
Hopefully this league will provide much needed fillip for women’s football in the state.