Gokulam kick off pre season preparations under AIFF SOP’s
NEW DELHI: With the latest edition of the Hero I-League set to begin on January 9, 2021, Gokulam Kerala FC kickstarted their pre-season amidst a highly-controlled COVID-safety environment in Kozhikode, Kerala.
The club from the southern state has resumed training activities after the state-wide lockdown ended on October 31, 2020 while following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have been put in place by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for its tournaments as Indian football moves forward together.
“The protocols and guidelines issued by the AIFF for resuming team training will be strictly followed. As we enter into a neo-normal era, it will be challenging for both the players and the coaching staff,” stated Gokulam Kerala FC CEO Dr. B Ashok Kumar.
“With all the precautionary measures in place, we are confident of conducting the training sessions without any hassles,” he stated.
Dr. Ashok Kumar further went on to explain that the club had arranged to bring all its players to Kozhikode in batches and had them under a strict quarantine at the residential facility, which was sanitised prior to all the arrivals.
The EMS Stadium and its offices were further sanitised before the pre-season training activities began. Along with these, the club has also made sure to keep in line with the SOPs provided by the AIFF and has put in place measures like regular temperature checks, placement of sanitisers at key areas, sanitisation and seat-markings (keeping social distancing in mind) of the team buses, and many more.
Gokulam’s newly appointed head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese from Italy had also flown down from his residence in Armenia last week. Although he is currently completing his own quarantine period, he has been in touch with things, coordinating everything with the team’s physical trainer Djair Miranda Garcia.
“The boys have hit the ground running because we had continued our training during the lockdown via video conferencing. What’s important for me is that we all keep working together, be it with or without the ball. This builds the understanding between the teammates,” Annese said.
He added, “The morale is quite high. We have started off with some very heavy sessions, and it was like a dream to get back on the ground and play football.”
While there are a number of restrictions in place due to the COVID-safety protocols, Coach Annese feels that following these protocols during the pre-season training will help the players get in the correct mental state for the main Hero I-League.
“Following the protocols in our training camp has also been very helpful because now we are getting a feel of the things for the real tournament as well. So once the league starts, we won’t have any problems,” he stated.
Credits: AIFF Media
Also Read: Juan Ferrando – Our focus is to get the team ready day-by-day
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…