Kochi: What began as a casual football gathering among a group of Malayalis working in Malta has turned into one of the most inspiring success stories in the country's football scene. Edex Kings FC, a club founded by members of the Malayali community, has won the Malta Second Division title and secured promotion to the country's First Division.

The club's remarkable rise, from playing in the Third Division just a few years ago to reaching the top tier, has been described as a story worth a movie.

Led by Chairman John Ligo and President Vibin Xavier, both natives of Ernakulam, the club has achieved rapid success since entering Malta's league system.

"When we arrived in Malta around 10 years ago, there were very few Malayalis here. On our days off, we would gather to play football. Those informal games eventually led us to the idea of starting a football club," said Vibin Xavier.

"After forming the club, we made our Third Division debut in 2022. We had a decent first season, and the team became more settled the following year. We finished runners-up in the Third Division and earned promotion to the Second Division. In our third year there, we became league champions," he added.

Founded in 2018 under the Edex Sports Council, Kings FC has emerged as one of Malta's fastest-growing football clubs.

Despite facing financial and logistical challenges in its early years, the club's long-term vision and commitment helped transform it into a championship-winning side.

A key part of the club's strategy has been identifying talented footballers from Kerala and bringing them to Malta on student visas, enabling them to pursue higher education while continuing their football careers.

The squad includes 12 players from Kerala, along with footballers from Malta, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and several African nations, creating a diverse and competitive team.

Having secured promotion to the First Division, the club is now preparing for its biggest challenge yet. Under Maltese head coach Elliot Navarro, the team has begun intensive training ahead of the First Division season, which kicks off in October.

Club chairman John Ligo described the achievement as a proud moment for the entire Indian community in Malta.

"This title is not just a victory for our club. It is a moment of pride for the entire Indian community in Malta. This historic achievement is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice and belief. Edex aims to create even more international opportunities for young footballers from Kerala."