of Rs 8,000 to 10,000, allowing up to 10,000 people to comfortably watch matches. Amenities such as dressing rooms and VIP pavilions for two teams were also installed. Complementing these features is a shopping complex and pavilion that will serve as a hub for football activities each month. Additionally, after the inauguration an exhibition match between Kerala Police and the District Football Association took place. Taking this event into consideration, the district administration and sports council are now embarking on plans to establish the stadium as a main venue for regular tournaments. Malabar Premier League The Malappuram District Sports Council, in collaboration with the Kerala Football Association, initiated the Malabar Premier League to foster young footballers from the district into a competitive playing environment, making football more professionalized. The official logo and eight franchises were revealed on 2 March 2015. The first season of the league will utilize two stadiums, namely the Malappuram District Sports Complex Stadium and Kottappadi Football Stadium. The MSP Delta Force won the first Malabar Premier League. 2021–22 Santosh Trophy Kerala emerged triumphant in the 75th Santosh Trophy 2022, defeating West Bengal 5-4 on penalties at the Payyanad Stadium in Malappuram. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, despite both teams having created several opportunities to break the deadlock. Jijo Joseph was awarded player of the match for his stellar performances in midfield - this success marks Kerala's third Santosh Trophy win on home turf, having previously won at Kochi's Manjeri Stadium in 1973-74 and 1992-93. 37 teams started out in the qualifiers while ten teams made it through to compete in the final round of Santosh Trophy at Malappuram, with the Kottappadi and Payyanad stadiums hosting respective matches. 2021–22 Santosh Trophy Matches in Kottappadi Coaching & practice Currently Kerala Blasters FC Coaching center is stationed here along with city level coaching provided by Municipality. The stadium is home ground for Malappuram FC and was the practice turf for Gokulam FC. In the 2019–20 Kerala Premier League, the stadium served as home ground for Luca Soccer Club. Facilities It has dressing rooms for two teams, rest rooms, referee rooms, VIP pavilion, two guest rooms and medical facilities. Stadium can accommodate 8,000 to 10,000 persons. Floodlights will be erected in the second phase of the renovation. And plans are there to increase the seating capacity so that bigger matches may be conducted. References Football