I- League 2019-20 | Gokulam Kerala FC to allow women free entry in home matches
In a great initiative to attract women to watch football in the stadiums, Kozhikode based Gokulam Kerala FC allows free entry to women for their all 10 I-League home games at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. Gokulam Kerala FC president V.C Praveen hopes to promote women's football.
With India set to host the Under-17 Women's World Cup next year, clubs and the ministry have been seen taking numerous initiatives in making the category popular. There has been a steady growth in attendances for football matches in India, however, one would hatdly find a small percentage of women in them.
And in a landmark decision, Kerala based I-League side Gokulam Kerala FC has allowed free entry to women for Gokulam's all 10 I-League home games at the Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. The I-League begins on November 30 and the Malabarians will face NEROCA FC in the opener on the same day.
“We would love to see female spectators at the stadium, I remember seeing photos of many women watching football matches at Kozhikode many years ago. So women here have an interest in football.” Gokulam Kerala's president V.C. Praveen told Sportstar.
A ten teams Kerala Women's League is expected to start this season, which could be a boost to the sport with Gokulam having women's team a well. “We are pretty serious about promoting women's football. We are the only I-League club to have a women's club,” said Praveen.
“The league is certainly a step forward for women's football in the State, Gokulam's decision to make entry free for women too is another good initiative.” the Kozhikode District Football Association secretary P. Haridas said.
Kozhikode hosts a large group of women in the historic tournaments like Sait Nagjee, and Haridas reflects the same. “We used to have separate stands for women, It would be great if women return to the Corporation Stadium,” he added.