The making of
the club

UKM Kothrud FC is more than a football club. It is a community built on the belief that football can transform lives.

The club's journey began with three independent initiatives that shared a common purpose. Utkarsh Krida Manch (UKM), founded by V. D. Kulkarni in Karve Nagar, worked to promote grassroots sport. Kothrud FC, established in 2006 by Genjumon Prasannan and friends, focused on creating opportunities for young footballers in the locality. Panthers FC, founded in 2010 by Nikhil Karnavat and Rishikesh Dorge, further strengthened the growing football culture in the region. Recognising that they were stronger together than apart, these initiatives came together through V. D. Kulkarni, Ashok Dhore and Rishikesh Dhorge to establish UKM Kothrud FC in 2012.

The club's formative years were shaped by a strong focus on grassroots football. In 2014, Genjumon Prasannan was appointed Head Coach. Combining his experience as a Political Science academic with his passion for grassroots football, he helped shape a philosophy that viewed football as a powerful instrument for education and social transformation. While the club was founded through the collective efforts of its founders and volunteers, its footballing philosophy and long-term vision were articulated during this period.

Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Nai Talim — “Education for Life and Education through Life” — the club adopted a simple but enduring belief: football should prepare young people not only to succeed on the field but also to become responsible, resilient, and compassionate members of society.

As the club matured, its vision also evolved. What began as an initiative dedicated primarily to children from underprivileged communities gradually opened its doors to children from every social, economic, cultural, and religious background. The belief was simple: genuine inclusion is achieved not by creating separate spaces but by enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to learn, compete, and grow together. Today, diversity is one of UKM Kothrud FC's defining strengths.

This educational philosophy continues to guide every aspect of the club — from coaching methodology and player development to community engagement and leadership.

The club also recognised that success could never be measured solely by the number of elite footballers it produced. While many players progressed to district, state, and national football, equal importance was placed on helping every player build a meaningful future. Former players were encouraged to pursue higher education in Physical Education, obtain coaching licences, and become referees, sports educators, coaches, and administrators, with many eventually returning to mentor the next generation. This has created a self-sustaining ecosystem where the club develops not only players but also coaches, teachers, and leaders who continue to strengthen football and society.

Today, UKM Kothrud FC operates across seven academy centres in Pune, nurturing more than 400 players. During the 2025–26 season, the club fielded 20 teams across various age groups, genders, and competitive levels — from Under-7 football to the senior team. Yet, despite its growth, the club remains steadfast in its founding conviction: football is a means to build character, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for life.

At UKM Kothrud FC, we do not merely develop footballers; we nurture human beings.