Soccer fever grips Kerala
10 Jun 2008, 2003 Hrs

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Calicut (Kerala), June 10 (ANI): As the Euro 2008 fever fast grip the world, its heat is being felt in Kerala, where football lovers gather in large numbers at public places to watch their favourite teams and players performing on big screens.

Football fans especially in the coastal areas of Kozhikode District have been caught up in frenzy. People of all age gather at the centre points where huge projectors and television sets are mounted and watch their favourite teams.

In Kerala, the tradition of football started long time ago and has prominence in Kozhikode, Talasherry, Mallapuram and Kannur districts.

It turned out to be the most popular game in the State.

The mushrooming of clubs is the reason for the passion in the game around the coastal belts where most of the enthusiasts are professionally engaged in fishing.

Nynanvalap Football Fans Association (NFFA) is one such club, which started conducting beach soccer matches in 1996. The club has received various items from the official sponsors of Europe Cup 2008.

The clubs conduct coaching camps every year to identify new talents and groom them in the basics of the game. The expenses are met by conducting 'Sevens' football tournaments.

Some of the clubs get sponsorship from various firms in the city. Non-resident Keralites from these areas also make handsome contributions to football clubs. (ANI)