Kochi, Aug 11: The journey of the Kerala Blasters FC's inaugural season, one that captured the imagination of football fans across the state and laid the foundation for one of Indian football's most passionate fan communities, is captured through the eyes of someone who lived it from within. The First Season, the debut book by Viren D'Silva, offers a first-hand account of building the club during the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League.
Drawing from his experience as General Manager of Kerala Blasters FC in 2014, D'Silva takes readers behind the scenes of a professional football club in India against the backdrop of the ISL’s construction. From assembling the squad and setting up operations to navigating the excitement and uncertainty of a brand-new league, the book captures the people, decisions, and moments that shaped the club's early identity. It explores how belief, teamwork, and a common purpose helped transform a new franchise into a club that inspired millions of supporters and gave rise to the Yellow Army, one of Indian sport's most passionate fan communities.
Speaking about his debut book, Viren D'Silva said,
"When I look back, what stays with me isn't just the football. It’s the people. We were all part of something completely new, learning, adapting, and building every single day. This book is my way of reliving those memories and celebrating everyone who played a part in that incredible first season. Beyond football, it’s a story of what it means to put a vision into reality, and that applies to anyone who’s ever started a small business or organization. We were a start-up at the Blasters. A big one, but still a start-up."
The First Season offers readers a rare insider's perspective on the birth of Kerala Blasters FC and the inaugural Indian Super League, while celebrating the ambition, resilience, and collective belief that helped shape one of the defining stories in Indian football.
