Malappuram and Football

The people of Malappuram district in Kerala have made their mark not only in cultural identity and originality but also in the field of arts and sports. The uniqueness of the people of Malappuram is that they have made football a part of their culture and way of life. Not just a sports event, Football is a part of life for the people of Malappuram and it is a feeling soaked in blood.

The football history of Malappuram is as old as Malappuram itself. Football in Malappuram dates back to the British period. The present Kottapadi ground in Malappuram district has witnessed many historic football matches. Introduced as a mere form of entertainment by the British, this sport later became a venue for Malappuram's live blood and has witnessed many friendly competitions. Football plays an important role in strengthening and maintaining friendships with each other. Many people have said that the people of Malappuram are the ones who play football with their heart and not with their feet. For them, football is also an energy source for their mind and body.

The only feature of Malappuram is that you can see a small playground or a turf wherever you go. It is amazing why there are more football fans in Malappuram than in other districts. It’s because, during British rule, the Malabar region was under the direct rule of the British Government.The Malabar Special Police (MSP), which was under the British government, used to play football as their pass time. The people of Malappuram are fascinated by football as they find it a sport that they have never seen before. Malappuram, the headquarters of the Malabar Special Police, later became the football headquarters of Kerala.

The charm and intoxication of football easily affected a population that did not have much entertainment areas culturally. Later they conducted local matches in between them and with MSP too.

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