A man on a mission! K. Ravindaran joins KBFC youth development

default

The Kerala Football Association, the new partners of the Kerala Blasters FC youth development, have roped in K. Ravindaran as a part of their tie-up with the Blasters. The man from Chalakudy, Thrissur district, was a part of the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports football tournament in 2016 as the head coach of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School and has had an immense influence in developing youth football in the region.

An avid football enthusiast all his life, Mr. Ravindaran has played club football for nine years with various clubs before taking to refereeing and coaching. He completed his AFC ‘B’ Coaching license course in 2016. On his love for coaching, he said, “I spent 11 years of my life and money to develop Football here. It was my dream project. As a result of this, we developed four teams. Grassroot (up to 7th standard), Junior school team (up to 10th standard), Senior School team (11th and 12th) and a College team. I think my most memorable moment is that my three teams (Junior, Senior, and College team) reached the finals of the RYFS tournament - Kochi edition. The Junior team became RYFS All India Runner-ups and the other teams almost made it to the Final Round. Their performance was really appreciated.”

He had a few words of genuine appreciation for the RFYS tournament. “RYFS Football Tournament for colleges and schools was a great step for development and promotion of football. Most of the schools and college teams from the eight cities participated, and it was a great opportunity for players. It was a well-organised tournament. The players got a great opportunity to expose their quality were recognized. They got Man of the Match Award and Gifts. The cash award for the winners and runners-up was a real motivating factor and the Media coverage for the school tournament brought this tournament to a professional level. The Final Round Tournament at Mumbai was a good one and the players enjoyed it. They got the feeling that they are playing ISL.”

Through his perseverance in the field of football, Mr. Ravindran got the opportunity to join the Kerala Blasters’ contingent for the Reliance Foundation Young Champs Final Trials camp at Mumbai. “This was a great opportunity to see the young champs’ facilities and their training system under Piet Hubers and Marcus Vaessen. The five days spent there were wonderful. Their planning was brilliant. The field organization and other tips in coaching were very fruitful to me!” The popular youth coach from Thrissur is now in their league as his exploits with Sacred Heart HSSS have brought his abilities to the fore, and he is sure to do wonders in his new endeavor!