Our Vision: From Passion to Profession
The story of two athletes who turned their dreams into reality and built India's premier sports academy
Govind Sreekumar
Co-Founder & Technical Director
The Journey of Excellence
Govind Sreekumar's journey into football coaching began not on a grand stage, but on dusty local grounds where passion mattered more than resources. Growing up in Kerala, Govind was captivated by football from a young age. While many children played for fun, Govind played with purpose—each touch, each pass, each strategy was a step toward understanding the beautiful game at its deepest level.
His dedication led him to pursue formal education in sports coaching, earning a BSc in Sports Coaching from the prestigious National Sports University. This academic foundation, combined with his on-field experience, gave him a unique perspective: technical expertise paired with genuine empathy for aspiring athletes.
From Student to Master Coach
Govind's commitment to excellence led him to obtain the AFC C License, one of the most respected coaching certifications in Asian football. He furthered his education through the British Council's Premier Skills program, where he learned cutting-edge coaching methodologies used in European academies. But certifications were just the beginning.
Working with youth teams across Kerala, Govind developed his coaching philosophy: every player deserves personalized attention, structured training, and the belief that they can achieve greatness. His teams didn't just play—they thrived. Under his guidance, youth teams reached impressive milestones:
DPDL Under-7 Runner-up
2022-23 Season
Under-11 Quarterfinals
2023-24 Season
Coach of the Year
2022-23 Award
7+ Years Experience
Grassroots Development
Yet despite these successes, Govind felt something was missing. Kerala had immense football talent, but lacked world-class training infrastructure. Young athletes with Olympic-level potential were training on uneven fields with outdated equipment. Govind knew that talent without the right environment couldn't flourish.
This realization became his mission: to create an academy that combined international-standard facilities with a coaching philosophy rooted in holistic athlete development. It wasn't just about winning matches—it was about building character, discipline, and lifelong skills.
From Player to Mentor: A Journey of Passion
While Govind was honing his technical expertise, Mithun Padeni was carving his own path through Kerala's competitive football circuit. Unlike many who saw football as a hobby, Mithun saw it as his destiny. From playing in local tournaments to representing his district in the Kerala 7s Tournament, Mithun's journey was defined by one word: passion.
But passion alone wasn't enough. Mithun understood that to truly impact the sport, he needed to transition from player to mentor. He obtained his AIFF D License and began coaching district-level players, many of whom went on to represent Kerala in state championships.
Mithun Padeni
Co-Founder & Head Coach
Turning Dreams Into Reality
Mithun's coaching philosophy was simple yet profound: football is more than a game—it's a tool for personal transformation. He saw how the sport taught young athletes discipline, teamwork, resilience, and goal-setting. These weren't just athletic skills; they were life skills.
His crowning achievement came in the 2023-24 season when he led a school team to win the Kannur District School League. The victory wasn't just about the trophy—it was proof that with the right guidance, young athletes could achieve the impossible.
But like Govind, Mithun recognized a fundamental problem: talented athletes were being held back by inadequate infrastructure. He witnessed players with national-level potential practicing on fields that flooded during monsoons, using torn nets, and training without proper coaching staff.
Mithun's dream was bold: to create an academy where every athlete—regardless of their background—could access world-class training. He envisioned floodlit turf fields, certified coaches, strength and conditioning programs, and a holistic development approach that prepared athletes not just for matches, but for life.
The Birth of Athlo Sports Academy
When two visionaries meet, magic happens
When Govind and Mithun crossed paths at a coaching seminar in 2019, they immediately recognized kindred spirits. Both had achieved success in their own right, but both shared the same frustration: Indian football had immense potential, but lacked the infrastructure to compete globally.
Over countless late-night discussions, fueled by chai and an unwavering belief in their vision, they outlined what would become Athlo Sports Academy. The name itself—"Athlo"—comes from the Greek word for "competition" and "prize," symbolizing their commitment to excellence.
Their vision was clear: create an academy that didn't just train athletes, but transformed them. They wanted state-of-the-art facilities comparable to European academies, AIFF-certified coaches who understood modern methodologies, and a holistic approach that developed mental toughness, tactical intelligence, and physical prowess.
Building the Foundation
Turning vision into reality required more than passion—it demanded sacrifice. Govind and Mithun invested their savings, secured loans, and convinced investors of their vision. They spent months scouting locations, eventually securing land in Kerala that would become their flagship academy.
Construction began in 2020, just as the world shut down due to COVID-19. While others saw obstacles, Govind and Mithun saw opportunity. They used the lockdown period to refine their curriculum, study international training programs, and connect with coaching experts from around the world.
Academy Established
Active Athletes
World-Class Facilities
The First Session
When Athlo Sports Academy officially opened its doors in 2021, the response was overwhelming. Parents who had been searching for quality football training for their children finally found a place that combined professional coaching with genuine care. Within months, enrollment exceeded expectations.
But Govind and Mithun refused to compromise on quality. They maintained small batch sizes to ensure personalized attention, invested in sports science equipment to track athlete development, and created age-specific programs that catered to different skill levels—from complete beginners to advanced players aspiring for professional careers.
Expansion and Impact
Success breeds success. By 2023, Athlo's reputation had spread beyond Kerala. Parents from neighboring states were enrolling their children, and the academy's alumni were making waves in district and state-level competitions. Several Athlo-trained players received offers from professional clubs—a testament to the academy's world-class training standards.
Recognizing the demand, Govind and Mithun expanded to Karnataka, opening a second facility in Bangalore. This wasn't just geographic expansion—it was a statement: Athlo Sports Academy was building a national network of excellence.
The Vision for Tomorrow
Holistic Development
Athlo isn't just about producing football players—it's about developing well-rounded individuals. The academy integrates mental conditioning, nutrition education, academic support, and life skills training into its curriculum.
Global Standards
Every aspect of Athlo—from coaching methodologies to facility design—is benchmarked against international standards. The goal is simple: prepare Indian athletes to compete and excel on the world stage.
The Bigger Dream
Govind and Mithun's vision extends far beyond their current academies. They dream of a future where Athlo Sports Academy operates across India, making world-class sports training accessible to every child regardless of their socioeconomic background.
They envision scholarship programs for underprivileged athletes, partnerships with international clubs for talent exchange, and a pipeline that produces India's next generation of football stars—players who will represent the nation in international tournaments and inspire millions.
But at its core, Athlo's vision remains unchanged from that first conversation between two passionate coaches: to transform lives through sports, one athlete at a time.
Their Message to Aspiring Athletes
"Your background doesn't determine your future—your dedication does. We built this academy because we believe every child with a dream deserves a chance to chase it. Come train with us, and let's turn your passion into your profession."
— Govind Sreekumar & Mithun Padeni, Founders of Athlo Sports Academy
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