ISL: Training grounds allotted, teams to reach Goa by Sept. end

With the 7th season of the Indian Super League (ISL) set to commence in November in Goa, the respective clubs have finalized their training grounds as they start preparing for what is going to be an intriguing season played out completely behind closed doors.

According to a report by The Times of India, the clubs had to choose from 12 training grounds that had been shortlisted across the state. While seven teams have made their choice from the options given by the league, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and Hyderabad FC, after careful consideration, have finalized their training facilities beyond the listed venues.

FC Goa will be putting in the hard yards ahead of the season at the Panchayat Ground at Salvador do Mundo, a venue which they have already upgraded to suit their training requirements and will move in to, late October. Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, will be preparing for the season at the JSW Sports Excellence Centre in Bellary before travelling to Goa on November 1. Lastly, Hyderabad FC have held talks with St Anthony’s High School in Monte de Guirim and will be using their ground to kick-start their pre-season.

https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/1302146950410547200

Amongst the other teams, newly merged entity ATK Mohun Bagan FC will train at the floodlit Trinity Ground in Benaulim while last year’s finalists Chennaiyin FC have chosen the SAG ground at Utorda. Mumbai City FC will be looking to put a disappointing season behind them as they resume training at the Panchayat ground in Nagoa while Odisha FC have opted for the newly-laid and somewhat less-established pitch at Betalbatim.

Southern heavyweights Kerala Blasters have zeroed in on the Peddem Sports Complex in Mapusa, Jamshedpur FC have opted for the Panchayat ground in Sangolda and finally, North East United will be training at Candolim’s newly-laid turf.

The report also states that all the teams will start assembling in Goa between the 25th and 30th of September except Bengaluru FC who will be arriving at a later date, and will be part of a bio-secure bubble, akin to the protocol followed in top European leagues.