Football turfs in huge demand

KOCHI: As the World Cup gets closer and closer, the artificial football turfs, that have mushroomed in the city, are hoping to tap the excitement of the countless football fans.

Around 15 artificial turfs operate in the city and its outskirts and with World Cup fever gripping, the centres have seen an increase in demand over the last couple of weeks.

“The World Cup has created a lot of momentum in the past few weeks. We are receiving a lot of enquiries for the turfs,” said Francis Noel Ben of Jogo Football Arena at Panampilly Nagar here.

“We have the customers who have been coming since we started as well as a few groups who have joined recently. I think everyone wants to play the game now,” said Ritchie Kuriakose of Zesto located along the Kaloor-Kadavatnhra Road.

The ready-to-rent spaces are five-a-side courts installed with artificial turf and can be booked on an hourly basis by the sports-loving public who wish to have a kick around during their spare time. “We are also planning to conduct tournaments as part of the World Cup where fans will play under the names of the national teams participating in the World Cup,” said Noel. “We will also screen the matches on all days,” he added.

Zesto also plans to conduct screenings of the matches for its customers. “We expect hundreds to turn up for these screenings,” they said.

Sportopoliz, opposite to Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Tripunithura, Espirito in Kakkanad, Jogo Football Arena in Panampilly Nagar, Soccer Pitch in Edappally, Soccer City in Kakkanad, The Backyard Activity Arena in Kangarappady and Campeones Football in Ayyappankavu are some of other most sought-after venues in the city.