New Delhi, 1 October 2026: The Premier League has launched ‘Premier League Park’, a first-of-its-kind destination in India, in Chattarpur, New Delhi. The facility aims to bring the football community closer to the Premier League by creating more opportunities to watch, play and experience the game. A year-round calendar of fan engagement initiatives includes football tournaments and screenings, establishing the venue as a hub for football fans and players in NCR.

With football forming the core of the PL Park experience, the venue features two seven-a-side pitches and a dedicated events and social area. The venue, developed and operated by GoalTech Innovation India Pvt. Ltd. (through the Claygrounds brand), also features pickleball and padel courts, as well as Premier League partner experiences, bringing together a wider mix of sports, entertainment and leisure activities.

Together, these facilities create a destination that will offer new ways for existing and new fans to connect with the League and football as a whole.

Premier League India Managing Director Hrishikesh Shende, said: “India’s Premier League fans are among the most passionate anywhere, and that community keeps growing each season. PL Park brings the League closer to them with a dedicated place to celebrate, experience and share their passion for the Premier League.”

The opening of Premier League Park further reinforces the League’s long-term commitment to India, building on nearly two decades of investment in football in the country. It follows the opening of the Mumbai office in April 2025, which established a permanent presence and strengthened engagement with fans, broadcast partner JioStar and football stakeholders. Premier League Park builds on this growing presence by providing a dedicated venue for fans to experience and engage with Premier League football throughout the year.

About the Premier League
The Premier League produces some of the most competitive and compelling football in the world. The League and its clubs use the power and popularity of the competition to inspire fans, communities and partners in the UK and across the world. The Premier League brings people together from all backgrounds. It is a competition for everyone, everywhere and is available to watch in 1.2 billion homes in 189 countries.

About GoalTech
GoalTech Innovation India Pvt. Ltd. operates ClayGrounds, India’s largest sports facility brand. Headquartered in Delhi, it runs a network of 35+ multi-sport venues across India, powered by a technology-driven booking platform. Beyond venues, ClayGrounds builds sports infrastructure, football academies and event IPs, it aims to build India’s sports ecosystem from the ground up.

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Stepping into this space with focus and intent is Mizogi, an emerging Indian sports brand dedicated to football athletes, particularly goalkeepers as of now.

With the recent launch of its new product line on the 2nd February and the debut of its official direct-to-consumer website, www.mizogi.com, the brand signals the beginning of a new chapter – one built around accessibility, performance, and direct engagement with players.

The Idea Behind Mizogi

Mizogi was conceptualized with a clear vision: to create performance-oriented football gear tailored to Indian playing conditions. While international brands dominate the market, many grassroots and semi-professional players often seek gear that balances quality, affordability, and durability suited to local grounds and weather.

Mizogi focuses especially on goalkeeper gloves, a niche yet crucial category in football equipment. By narrowing its focus, the brand aims to build expertise rather than broad but diluted offerings.

At its core, Mizogi positions itself as:

• Performance-driven
• Athlete-focused
• Built for Indian conditions
• Designed for both training and competitive play

Key highlights of Mizogi’s goalkeeper gloves include:

• Premium latex palms for enhanced grip
• Hybrid or negative cuts for improved control and snug fit
• Thumb wrap technology for added support
• Breathable construction for comfort during intense play
• The emphasis appears to be on blending performance features typically seen in global brands with pricing accessible to Indian athletes.

Going Direct: The Launch of Mizogi.com

Perhaps the most significant development in Mizogi’s journey is the launch of its official website- www.mizogi.com .With this move, the brand shifts toward a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, enabling:

• Seamless product browsing
• Direct purchasing without third-party dependency
• Stronger brand storytelling
• Direct engagement with its football community

In today’s digital-first sports marketplace, owning the consumer relationship is crucial. By launching its integrated e-commerce platform, Mizogi positions itself not just as a product company, but as a growing sports ecosystem.

Beyond products, Mizogi’s approach appears to center around community building- connecting with footballers through digital platforms, social engagement, and grassroots visibility.

As Indian football continues to expand at academy and semi-professional levels, homegrown brands like Mizogi represent an interesting shift- one where Indian athletes increasingly support and rely on Indian performance brands.

While still in its growth phase, Mizogi’s recent product launch and website rollout indicate an ambition to establish itself as a serious player in India’s football equipment space.

Mizogi’s latest launch marks more than just a product release- it signals a strategic step toward brand independence and deeper player connection. As the Indian football ecosystem matures, it will be interesting to see how focused, athlete-first brands like Mizogi evolve in the competitive sports market.

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From his early days on the pitch to his current role in shaping India’s footballing future, his journey has been one of relentless passion and commitment. But how did this former player, who once dreamed of leading his country, transition into one of the most respected figures in Indian football? Let’s take a closer look at Manuel’s story—how a love for the game ignited in his childhood has fueled a career dedicated to the sport and how he now strives to elevate Indian football to new heights.

For Manuel D’Souza, football wasn’t just a game—it was a way of life. Growing up in Bandra, he was deeply influenced by watching his uncle train every morning. It wasn’t long before the sport became his passion, with Manchester United’s 1999 treble igniting a love for the Red Devils that continues to this day. “I still remember the 1999 treble by Manchester United,” Manuel recalls with a smile. “That’s when I fell in love with the Red Devils, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to be a footballer.”

Manuel’s journey began at St. Aloysius High School, Bandra, where he formed lasting friendships with Ameay, Jenish, Rohel, and Joshlyn. However, it was football that dominated his time. His raw talent was quickly noticed, leading him to represent Maharashtra at the U-16 and U-19 levels. His commitment to the game took him further, earning him a spot with Mahindra United U-19 and later, Mumbai FC U-19, where he captained the team under the guidance of Khalid Jamil.

Manuel’s dedication to the sport bore fruit when he made his senior debut with Mumbai FC in the I-League. Playing under Khalid Jamil for seven years, he learned invaluable lessons that shaped his leadership style and work ethic. “Khalid bhai’s guidance helped me grow both on and off the pitch,” says Manuel.

As in any athlete’s journey, injuries started to take a toll on Manuel’s playing career. After stints with U Mumba FC and MYJ in the I-League 2, Manuel decided to step away from competitive football. “As a player, I never had the luxury of proper guidance in strength and conditioning,” he reflects. “So I decided to give back to the sport in a different way, by helping players reach their peak physical potential.”

This marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he transitioned to become a Strength and Conditioning Coach, working with top athletes across multiple sports, including Pro Kabaddi and Pro Volleyball. His clients include well-known footballers such as Jayesh Rane, Adil Khan, Raynier Fernandes, and Wayne Vaz, to name a few.

The moment that changed Manuel’s life came when his former mentor, Khalid Jamil, reached out with a life-altering opportunity. “Khalid bhai called and told me he wanted me as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Indian Men’s Senior National Football Team,” recalls Manuel. This phone call marked a full-circle moment in Manuel’s career—from playing under Khalid to coaching the national team alongside him.

For Manuel, coaching the Indian National Football Team has been a dream come true. He believes his own experience as a player allows him to connect with the athletes in a unique way. “Working with the boys was easy because I’ve been in their shoes,” he explains. “I can relate to what they go through, which helps me communicate and connect better.”

One of Manuel’s proudest achievements is working with the Indian national team and helping to push Indian football to greater heights. “Serving and giving back to my country through football is the best thing I’ve ever done,” he shares. As he continues his work with the national team, Manuel’s mission remains clear: to help Indian football earn the recognition it deserves on the world stage.

“Football has given me everything,” Manuel concludes. “Now, it’s my turn to give everything back. Jai Hind.”

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Some of the nicknames even sound nonsensical and bizarre in the present times, but once you’ve examined their history, you’ll see the names make a lot of sense. 

The pandemic was brutal for football fans, too, as the world of sports had to adjust to the new-normal situations. The football leagues were held in stadiums devoid of the cheering audience. That’s when people turned to fantasy football to be part of the action and thrill. You can play fantasy football online and create your player lineup and compete against other users. 

If you’ve ever wondered how football clubs got their nicknames, continue reading.

Manchester United: The Red Devils

The name Manchester United was adopted after Manchester Celtic and Manchester Central were rejected. A color change accompanied the change in name in April 1902. In the beginning, the jersey was a pair of white shirts with black shorts, and then there was a period of all white with a red V. Then, the famous red shirts were adopted. 

Salford, the local rugby league club, is credited with helping Manchester United find their nickname. The all-red Salford’s performances in 1934 on tour in France impressed the French media, and they branded them ‘Les Diables Rouges.’ Sir Matt Busby, the legendary manager of United, liked the nickname and thought the reference to the devil sounded intriguing. The devil logo started being implemented officially into the club’s merchandise, and in 1970, it was added to the badge. 

Liverpool: The Reds

Most football fans think it’s not interesting that a club’s nickname pays tribute to the color of their shirt. However, it is quite intriguing when it is about Liverpool and their badge. The club’s badge features a mythical creature known as the Liver Bird. It is an imaginary cross between a cormorant and an eagle, and it was used as the city’s seal before the football club’s formation in 1892. 

Kop was the term used for the most famous section of the football club’s fans and sometimes, the club itself.  The club gained the name from a South African battlefield called Spion Kop, where a local regiment suffered heavy losses during the 1900 Boer War. The club erected a new stand in 1906 made of brick and cinder, and Ernest Edwards, a local sports editor, came up with the nickname to honor the soldiers who had fallen. 

Leeds United: The Whites, The Peacocks

These days, Leeds United is famously known as The Whites due to their kit, but fans have known them as The Peacocks for generations. 

The Old Peacock Ground was the original name for Elland Road, and the original owners named it after a pub known as The Old Peacock. Some fans believe the name Peacock was inspired by the club’s first colors, royal blue with yellow trimmings. 

The Whites is the nickname inspired by the club’s all-white outfit, and this didn’t appear until the arrival of Don Revie in 1962. Don wanted everyone to believe that the club could be as great and successful as Real Madrid. 

Manchester City: The Citizens

The Brewerymen was one of the first nicknames of Manchester City after it rose from the failed embers of Ardwick FC. Chester’s, a local brewery, revived the club after receiving financial support. They even helped with purchasing players, and the headquarter of the club was The Hyde Rd Hotel, a pub. The pub was owned by Chester’s, and many other directors and officials were involved in the brewery trade. 

From the word City, the Citizen’s nickname evolved. However, the name did not impress everyone, and the nickname was even ranked as one of the worst Premier League nicknames. 

Chelsea: The Blues

The nickname Blues is so apparent because it is based on Chelsea’s kit. The nickname replaced The Pensioners, the club’s nickname due to their association with the Chelsea Pensioners, one of the famous hospital homes to British war veterans. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the loyal pensioners got seats for all the games at Stamford Bridge. 

In the 19650s, The Pensioners was dropped as the nickname, and for want of a better name, the club went with The Blues. 

Arsenal: The Gunners

The origin of the football club plays a crucial role in Arsenal’s nickname. Workers formed the club from Woolwich’s Royal Arsenal armament factory, producing weapons, munitions, and explosives. 

Since 1888, the Arsenal crest has featured cannons, and the club retained the logo and nickname despite the move to North London’s Highbury in 1913.

Brighton: The Seagulls

For Brighton’s nickname, some of the credit goes to the club’s rivals, Crystal Palace. Dolphins was the first nickname of the football club, and it was coined in the 1970s, even though a dolphin has been a part of the crest since the 1940s. Thanks to some of the creative fans of the team, the nickname was short-lived. 

The story for the change in the club’s nickname goes that a group of Brighton fans planned to respond to Crystal Palace fans chanting Eagles, Eagles during a heavy drinking session in 1975. They wanted to respond by chanting Seagulls, Seagulls. Thus, the fans quickly adopted the nickname, and the club added Seagull to their badge in 1977.

So, that’s how your favorite football teams got their nicknames. Now stop worrying about this and go ahead and play fantasy football. Experience the thrill of being part of the action and not merely staring at your television. 

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

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