Introduction: Football as a Lifelong Passion

In a cricket-dominated country, the game of football often battles for attention. But in Kerala—a land with an unmatched football frenzy—Shri V.C. Praveen stands tall as a game-changer. As the President of Gokulam Kerala FC (GKFC) and Vice Chairman of the Sree Gokulam Group, he transformed his lifelong love for the sport into a powerful movement. Today, Gokulam Kerala FC is not just a football club—it is a symbol of regional pride, sporting excellence, and community empowerment.

Gokulam Kerala FC: The Soul of Kerala Football

Foundation and Growth

Founded in January 2017 by the Sree Gokulam Group, Gokulam Kerala FC was born out of a vision to revive Kerala’s lost legacy in Indian football. The club is based in Kozhikode (Calicut), the heartland of Kerala football. It quickly rose to prominence, not just as a competitive team in the I-League, but as a cultural symbol.

In just a few years, GKFC evolved from a promising entrant to a title-winning force in Indian football—an achievement very few clubs have matched in such a short timeframe.

Historic Achievements

  • 2019 Durand Cup Champions: GKFC made history by winning India’s oldest and most prestigious tournament, defeating Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in the final.
  • Back-to-Back I-League Champions (2020–21 & 2021–22): First Kerala club to win the I-League and the only club in I-League history to defend the title.
  • AFC Cup Qualification (2022): Gokulam Kerala became the first team from Kerala to play in the AFC Cup, achieving a stunning 4–2 victory over ATK Mohun Bagan in their debut continental match.
  • 2023–24 I-League: Finished third, once again showcasing their consistency among the country’s top football clubs.

Structure and Teams

Gokulam Kerala FC is one of the few clubs in India with a complete football ecosystem, comprising:

  • Men’s First Team: Competes in the I-League, known for combining international experience with young Indian talent.
  • Women’s Team: A powerhouse in the Indian Women’s League, Gokulam Kerala Women’s FC has won multiple national titles, producing several players for the Indian national team.
  • GKFC Reserves: Competes in the Kerala Premier League (KPL), providing exposure and a transition platform for youth players.
  • Youth Academy and Grassroots Program: Operates a structured development pipeline with U13, U15, U17, and U21 teams. The academy scouts talent across Kerala, particularly from remote and underprivileged regions, and offers professional training, accommodation, education, and mentoring.

Philosophy: Football for Empowerment

Gokulam Kerala FC functions on the core belief that football can transform lives. This is evident in:

  • Scholarships for young talents
  • Training and employment for local youth
  • Inclusivity through its women’s team
  • Community engagement through football clinics and workshops

The club has given several local players—like Jithin M.S., Salman K., and Emil Benny—a national platform, while also nurturing international talents who contribute to the team’s competitive edge.

Fanbase and Cultural Identity

Gokulam Kerala FC is deeply rooted in the cultural and emotional fabric of Malabar:

  • Known as “The Malabarians”, the club’s logo features Theyyam, a vibrant ritual art form native to North Kerala.
  • Home matches are held at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, which has hosted record-breaking crowds, particularly during I-League title runs.
  • Their fan clubs—GKFC Battalia and GKFC Ultras—are among the most passionate in the country. Their organized chants, vibrant tifos, and community activities give GKFC one of the most authentic football cultures in India.

Media Presence and Commercial Appeal

  • Gokulam Kerala FC maintains a strong digital presence, with engaging content across Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, aimed at attracting younger fans.
  • The club enjoys loyal sponsors, growing merchandise sales, and rising TV viewership—demonstrating its commercial potential in the Indian football market.
  • It has also begun collaborations with international clubs for exchange programs and coaching development.

Vision for the Future

Shri V.C. Praveen has repeatedly stated that his vision is to see a club from Kerala playing in the Indian Super League (ISL). While GKFC has not yet entered the ISL due to structural barriers, its growing fanbase, professional management, and footballing merit make it a strong candidate for future expansion.

Plans ahead include:

  • Upgrading infrastructure, including training facilities and stadium capacity
  • Establishing a permanent football academy campus
  • International scouting and pre-season exposure tours
  • Continued dominance in national women’s football

The Man Behind the Movement: Shri V.C. Praveen

Early Life and Education

Born in Kannur and raised in Chennai, V.C. Praveen is an alumnus of Loyola College, Chennai. He began his leadership journey through the Leo Movement, where he won the Best Secretary award among 54 Leo clubs in Chennai.

Business Leader and Strategist

As Vice Chairman of the Sree Gokulam Group, he oversees diverse ventures—finance, hospitality, media, healthcare, and sports. Under his leadership, the group became a major national player in the chit fund sector, hotel industry, and social infrastructure.

He also served as President of the All India Association of Chit Funds, introducing systems to ensure greater transparency, investor protection, and modernization in the sector.

Humanitarian and Philanthropist

  • Spearheaded Hridayaragam, a landmark fundraiser with film industry support that enabled life-saving heart surgeries for over 200 children.
  • Actively involved in Narayana Mission, Chennai, supporting free education and healthcare for economically weaker sections.
  • Through the AIMA Trust, he continues to support health, education, and disaster-relief programs nationwide.

Global Malayalee Icon

Mr. Praveen holds key leadership roles in the World Malayalee Council (WMC) and All India Malayalee Association (AIMA):

  • Served as Global Chairman and now Global President of WMC, uniting Malayalees across continents.
  • Pioneered community development programs and cultural integration initiatives for Malayalees living outside Kerala.

Conclusion: A Vision Beyond the Game

Through Gokulam Kerala FC, Shri V.C. Praveen has created more than a football club—he has crafted a movement, a legacy, and a dream. He has shown that with vision, heart, and leadership, sports can uplift a community, revive a state’s pride, and place India on the global football map.

His dream for Kerala football burns brighter than ever. And as fans chant in packed stadiums and children kick balls in remote villages, they echo the spirit of one man who believed that football is not just a game—it is hope, identity, and power.