Early Promise in Mumbai

For many young footballers across Maharashtra, the ambition to rise through the ranks and compete at higher levels remains a shared dream. For Adithyan, that journey began in Mumbai’s competitive football ecosystem, where he developed through multiple academies, notably Bravehearts Football School. His talent and consistency earned him early recognition, culminating in a three-year contract with Kerala Blasters FC at just 15 years of age. It was a significant step that indicated a clear pathway towards professional football.

Setbacks and Interrupted Momentum

However, just as his progress began to accelerate, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted football globally. Competitions were halted, club structures changed, and opportunities became limited. A subsequent opportunity with Hyderabad FC was also affected due to the second wave, further delaying his development. These challenges marked a difficult phase, requiring him to reset and rebuild at a crucial stage in his career.

Rebuilding Through Competitive Football

Returning to Mumbai’s demanding football circuit, Adithyan focused on regaining rhythm and consistency. He represented PIFA and later MYJ, where he contributed to a title-winning campaign. He also gained valuable exposure by featuring in the Durand Cup with Mumbai City FC. Competing regularly in such environments helped him sharpen his technical and tactical abilities while rebuilding confidence.

Development at India On Track FC

A key turning point in his journey came with India On Track FC. The club’s structured approach to player development, combined with consistent game time and competitive exposure, allowed Adithyan to grow into a more complete midfielder. His role within the team expanded as he demonstrated composure, awareness, and the ability to influence games through intelligent positioning and decision-making.

Midfield Influence and Playing Style

Adithyan’s game is defined by control and understanding. He operates effectively as a link between defence and attack, maintaining tempo while contributing creatively in advanced areas. His ability to remain composed under pressure, combined with disciplined movement and vision, made him a valuable asset in midfield and an important part of the team’s overall balance.

Success in the Mumbai Premier League

His development translated into collective success, as India On Track FC secured the Mumbai Premier League 2024–25 title in their debut season in the top division. The achievement also marked the club’s fifth consecutive promotion, underlining a strong culture of growth and performance. Adithyan played a consistent role in that campaign, contributing to the team’s midfield stability and attacking transitions.

Opportunity in Spain

Building on strong domestic performances, Adithyan earned an opportunity to train and compete in Spain through India On Track’s international pathway. He joined UE Remolins-Bitem in Catalonia, competing in the Segona Catalana, an environment known for its tactical demands, physical intensity, and competitive standards.

Despite arriving recently, he adapted quickly, breaking into the starting lineup and registering an assist within his first few appearances. His ability to adjust to a new footballing culture and system highlights both his technical quality and football intelligence.

Looking Ahead

Adithyan’s long-term objectives remain focused on continuous development, competing at higher levels, establishing himself in European football, and representing India on the international stage. While his journey is still evolving, his progress reflects the importance of resilience, adaptability, and consistent effort.

A Journey Defined by Persistence

Adithyan’s pathway illustrates that development in football is rarely linear. From early promise and unforeseen setbacks to rebuilding within competitive environments and progressing onto the international stage, his journey reflects the realities of the modern game. It stands as a reminder that sustained effort, patience, and belief are essential in turning potential into opportunity.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post From Mumbai to Spain: Adithyan’s Journey of Setbacks to Growth appeared first on Football Counter.

Coming into the fixture, ICL knew a win would confirm their progression, while IOT needed all three points to keep their qualification hopes alive. The defending champions started strongly, dominating possession and committing numbers forward, testing ICL’s defensive organisation throughout the first half.

Despite sustained pressure, ICL held firm at the back while also posing a threat on the counter. Both sides created promising situations, but neither could find the breakthrough, as the first half ended goalless.

The game sprang to life early in the second half when ICL took the lead in the 52nd minute. Avishek Kunjam produced a composed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs, giving his side a crucial advantage and putting them firmly on course for qualification.

IOT pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but ICL’s defensive resilience proved decisive, with players throwing themselves into challenges and closing down spaces to deny any clear opportunities.

The result was sealed in the 88th minute when Vinod Pandey rose highest from a corner to head home, confirming ICL’s semi-final berth in emphatic fashion.

For IOT, the defeat marks the end of their title defence, as they are now mathematically out of contention despite having one playoff match remaining.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post ICL Seal Semi-Final Spot as Defending Champions IOT Exit MPL appeared first on Football Counter.

Coming off a successful run in the WIFA State League, IOT entered the match with confidence, but it was Mumbai City who struck first. In the 35th minute, a defensive lapse from IOT allowed Rizvi to capitalise, as he went on a solo run and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to give Mumbai City a 1–0 lead.

IOT responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Dwight delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which led to a header that was initially saved. However, the rebound fell perfectly for P, who made no mistake in slotting it home to level the score at 1–1 going into half-time.

The second half saw IOT take control, looking more threatening in attack and pushing for the winner. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when a corner delivery was flicked on by Dwight, allowing Hersh to rise and head the ball into the net to give IOT the lead.

IOT managed the game well in the closing stages, holding firm at the back to secure an important victory. The win caps off a strong run of form for IOT as they continue to build momentum in the Mumbai Premier League.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post IOT Come From Behind to Defeat Mumbai City FC 2–1 appeared first on Football Counter.

The match began with great intensity, and it did not take long for the first breakthrough. In just the 8th minute, Arfat produced a fine finish past the keeper to give India On Track an early lead. The goal set the tone for the first half as IOT remained compact defensively while Oranje tried to respond. Despite Oranje’s efforts to find an equaliser, the first half ended with IOT holding a 1-0 advantage.

The second half promised more drama as Oranje pushed forward in search of a comeback to protect their unbeaten streak. However, India On Track struck another blow in the 68th minute when Arfat once again found the back of the net, completing his brace and doubling the lead for his side.

Oranje FC responded quickly. Just five minutes later, striker Duane pulled one back in the 73rd minute to bring his team back into the contest and set up a tense final phase of the match.

With time running out, Oranje searched for the equaliser, but the India On Track defence held firm under pressure. IOT managed the closing minutes well and secured a crucial 2-1 victory.

The win not only ended Oranje FC’s unbeaten run this season but also made India On Track the first team to score twice against the Group A leaders, marking a significant result in the Mumbai Premier League campaign.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post India On Track End Oranje’s Unbeaten Run with 2–1 Victory appeared first on Football Counter.

As the curtains close on another exhilarating season, we delve into the remarkable journey of IOT FC and the values that define its ethos.

Taking Professionalism to grassroots

Unlike many other clubs in the Mumbai football scene, IOT FC operates on a distinctive principle – treating its players not just as athletes, but as integral members of a tight-knit family. While most clubs in the Mumbai Super League have their own constraints in terms of how they are run, IOT FC distinguishes itself as one of the few clubs providing professional contracts, wages, and accommodation for its outstation players, fostering an environment of trust, camaraderie, and mutual respect.

IOT Chairman, Mr. Gaurav Modwel, speaking about the team said, ”All kudos to the team, I still remember 13th of July last year we got promoted to MFA Super Division, and the very next month August the matches were scheduled to start. It was Monsoon and we didn’t have the time to make a team. But then one by one everyone came along and made an excellent team. Absolute Champions mentality and I am proud of each one of them.”

In football, players often move or change clubs during the transfers – some get better opportunity, some get replaced for higher quality. A fact that Mr. Modwel reiterated too however like one doesn’t leave their family behind, Mr. Modwel wasn’t going to either, “I am Proud of each one of you, next season, some of you would be there some may not but I will be there by your side whenever you need me.”

Forward Amrendra Singh, “I joined late. I joined in the playoffs but how quickly the team accepted me and made me the part of family I loved it. I may not continue football after this year but the vibe the team gave me I would like to end it on this high.”

Skipper Bilal Modak, speaking to the team, gave a special thanks to teammates, “Bit disappointed but nevertheless we did well to gain promotion. I am really happy that my teammates made me a good captain. When I was unavailable, my vice captains Rohan D’souza and Saurabh Nikam did the job.” The family environment was quite evident when the acknowledgement for his teammate brought out a prompt response from the team as one of them stated, “Not just through words but his actions is what made him our captain”

While on the field it was players who stood up with their performances and deservingly got the praise, Head Coach Yash Shah pointed out to the management’s dedication too. “You have to give credit to them, they took care of everything. Right from making the grounds available for us for training 3 times a week to taking care of outstation players’ accommodations and everything, even salaries. The league was stretching out and out (Due to constant rescheduling) but they continued their support consistently.”

Yash also singled out special mentions to his coaching staff as well as backroom staff, “I am thankful to my coaching staff, Vismay, Agnel and also Miguel for his technical support and expertise. Sometimes I have been rude or demanding but they stuck with me and believed in me. Akhil, Deepayan and others who are part of our support team have all been very supportive. I thank Gaurav sir because of him everything is running so smoothly and I got this Opportunity.”

The way IOT FC has played this season and for that matter the last 4 years where they have gone on to earn promotion each year, it was quite obvious that they would become the talk of the town. Alongside Mumbai City FC colts, India On Track were the only other side to go throughout the Mumbai Super League campaign without suffering a single loss. As IOT FC continued to carve its path towards success, the impact of its efforts extended beyond the confines of the football pitch. Through grassroots initiatives and partnerships with organizations like LALIGA Academy Schools, IOT FC is nurturing the next generation of footballing talent while instilling a culture of winning and excellence.
A Night of Camaraderie: Stories Shared and Memories Made

As the sun set on another successful season, the celebrations continued at India On Track FC with a post-season party that epitomized the spirit of camaraderie, unity, and achievement. Against the backdrop of jubilant cheers and heartfelt applause, players and coaching staff alike were honoured with tokens of appreciation for their unwavering dedication and commitment throughout the season.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of commemorative scarves, medals, and personalized photo frames, each symbolizing the collective triumphs and shared memories of the season. For many, these mementos served as tangible reminders of the hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance that had led them to this momentous occasion.

Amidst the festivities, the club took a moment to reflect on its remarkable journey from the depths of the MFA 3rd Division to the pinnacle of the Mumbai Premier League – a feat achieved through four promotions in as many seasons. It was a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering belief that had become synonymous with India On Track FC.

As players shared anecdotes, exchanged words of admiration, and bid farewell to departing teammates, the sense of camaraderie and unity that defined the club’s culture was palpable. From the seasoned veterans to the rising stars, each member of the squad played an integral role in the club’s success, embodying the values of teamwork, perseverance, and mutual support.

The post-season party was more than just a celebration of achievements; it was a testament to the enduring bond that united the India On Track FC family

What’s for the future

Looking ahead, IOT Chairman Gaurav Modwel envisions a future where IOT FC expands its footprint across the country, establishing a network of clubs that share the same values. “The main reason for IOT FC coming out as a club is to teach the academy – the fun of winning, IOT FC has been winning everything, our training programs have produced players like Kajol D’Souza and Jay Gupta (Both receiving India call up). That winning habit has now spread across. Now I get calls from people asking for IOT in Pune, Cochin.” mentions Gaurav. With ambitious plans to establish IOT FC in multiple cities within the next 3-5 years, Mr. Modwel’s vision underscores the club’s commitment to long-term growth and sustainability.

Despite the considerable achievements thus far, IOT FC faces formidable challenges ahead as it transitions to the competitive landscape of the Mumbai Premier League. The heightened level of competition will test the club’s mettle, both on and off the field. In an industry often defined by transient success, IOT FC stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, unity, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of Mumbai Premier league

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC appeared first on Football Counter.