South United Football Club - a new beginning in Karnataka football

Lokko Sports India Pvt. Ltd. launched the South United Football Club Private Limited (SUFC) at the St. Marks Hotel in Bangalore. The Bangalore based private club aims to compete in the I-League and develop and promote local football talent to compete at the International level.

Former India captain Raman Vijayan, who coached KGF Academy to their maiden Super Division title earlier this year, will be the coach of the new club.

“This SUFC will hopefully inspire our young players to excel in football and look at sports as a career. Football will soon become the next great spectator sports after cricket in India and provide many exciting opportunities for talented players.” said Mr. Lokknath R Char, Founder & CEO, Lokko Sports India Pvt. Ltd.

KSFA president AR Khaleel stated that SUFC would be given a direct entry to the Super Division next season, a clause in the KSFA constitution allowing such a possibility.

“We will also recommend their name for the second division of the I-League next season,” he added.

Head coach Raman Vijayan said the SUFC aim at scouting local talent and give them the required facilities and exposure needed to be successful at the International level.

“Bangalore has a history of producing great footballers of the likes of Arumainayagam and Carlton Chapman and our initiative is all about encouraging local talent and youngsters. Players who have ability unfortunately stop playing football around at the age of 14-15 years and concentrate on education, we’re looking to stop this trend,’’ said the former India international.

The CEO, Lokknath Char, said that the long-term goal of the club was to provide employment to the players so as to set up a self-sustaining model of management.

“We’re looking to bridge the gap between elite and grassroots sports while encouraging youngsters to take up sports as employment,” he added.

The CEO also addressed the problems of the lack of facilities for football in the country, emphasizing on the poor state of playing conditions and the low number of qualified coaches in India. The club intends to provide state of the art facilities and bring in the best philosophies of world football and impart it to its players.