Odisha FC’s Club President Raj Athwal recently interacted with the Club’s loyal fans – The Juggernauts in an online video meeting. Assistant Coach and Head of Football Development Kino Garcia and Head of Football Operations Abhik Chatterjee were also a part of the hour-long interaction in which different topics related to the sport and the Club were discussed.

Assistant Coach Kino delivered the welcome address for the fans and thanked them for supporting Odisha FC. He also hoped to meet the loyal supporters soon once there is no bio-bubble and covid restriction. 

In his first-ever interaction with the Juggernauts, Raj, who joined OFC in January this year, expressed, “I would like to thank everyone for their time today. I am sure they have got some constructive questions to ask today. We are a lot more optimistic than perhaps we have been in the past. Thank you so much for staying with us, staying loyal with us because, in times of adversities you need people.”

When asked about the growth of football not only in Odisha but also in the entire nation, he stated, “My understanding is that football has grown exponentially in India. I did my research before I came along to Odisha and at the grassroots level, it’s really growing across the State. A lot of schools are playing and a lot of kids are playing football. I accept that cricket is the number one sport but there’s no reason why there is no room for football to grow. The way to grow the fanbase is through community development and that’s the way to get the loyalty.” 

Adding to Raj’s comment, Abhik, who now knows the fan group well for the last two years, mentioned, “Success, of course, plays a huge part especially when it’s a new club and when you are trying to attract supporters. I think the fans those who are coming now into the Indian football landscape are educated. They watch a lot of European football – La Liga, Premier League etc. Like the Juggernauts, they think of it from a commercial standpoint, they think of multiple ways in which they can interact with the club. Having such educated fans, it’s a responsibility for us, as Raj said, to develop our community outreach.” 

The fans’ forum turned out to be a good platform to discuss different aspects related to the club ranging from fan engagement, grassroots development, setting up of youth teams and academies, women’s football and the International Club Partnership with Premier League side Watford FC. 

“Watford is a family club, it’s the people’s club. I have always said that Odisha Football Club, for me, it’s not just a family club, it’s the people’s club. You guys are the real owners of the Club. What I have seen with the Juggernauts is that it’s much better than I thought it would be. You guys are really active and very supportive. I think we are on the right track. Most people have heard of Odisha FC than any other ISL club outside India,” Raj asserted while responding to one of the questions by a Juggernaut. 

The fans’ forum ended on a positive and happy note with Coach Kino saying Club’s tagline – Ama Team Ama Game - in proper Odia way without any mistake.