Calicut FC CEO Korath Mathew believes Kerala can play a defining role in India’s ambitions to become a leading football nation, arguing that the state already possesses the passion, talent and sporting culture required to build a sustainable football ecosystem.

Mathew pointed out that football has been embedded in Kerala’s social and cultural fabric for more than a century, with neighbourhood grounds, school tournaments, local leagues and major public screenings helping create a deep connection with the sport.

According to him, the challenge now is not generating interest but turning that passion into a structured pathway for player development.

He believes Kerala could become “India’s football laboratory”, where young players receive access to quality coaching, organised competitions, sports science, nutrition, analytics and modern training facilities before progressing towards professional clubs and the national team.

Mathew also stressed the importance of supporters in building a sustainable football industry. He noted that ticket sales, sponsorships, broadcasting, merchandising and digital engagement all depend on fan enthusiasm, an area where Kerala already has a major advantage.

This philosophy, he said, has shaped Calicut FC’s approach. The club has focused beyond its first team by supporting grassroots football, community initiatives and youth development. Its work in Kozhikode includes backing district league competitions involving nearly 70 clubs, along with football festivals and youth programmes.

Mathew added that Calicut FC’s early achievements-including winning the inaugural Super League Kerala championship, finishing as league leaders the following season and reaching the Kerala Premier League final-are milestones rather than the ultimate objective.

Looking ahead, he believes Kerala needs collective commitment from government, educational institutions, football associations, clubs, investors, sponsors and communities. A scientifically designed system capable of producing 500 to 1,000 elite footballers annually, he argued, could turn Kerala into the talent engine of Indian football.

For Mathew, the opportunity is clear: “Kerala has the passion. Kerala has the talent. Kerala has the football culture.”