India U-17 women's team depart for Spain exposure tour

The FIFA event starts on 11th October.

The India U-17 Women’s team has travelled to Spain to play some international friendly matches next week.

These friendlies have been planned as part of the team's preparation for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India from October 11. The Young Tigresses have been camping in Bhubaneswar with the support of the Government of Odisha.

The 23-member squad along with the support staff travelled from Bhubaneswar to Spain yesterday night.

The details of the upcoming matches will be confirmed soon.

The 23-member Squad are as follows:

Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Anjali Munda

Defenders: Astam Oraon, Gladys Zonunsangi, Kajal, Naketa, Purnima Kumari, Varshika, Shilky Devi Hemam, Nikita Jude

Midfielders: Babina Devi Lisham, Nitu Linda, Shailja, Shubhangi Singh

Forwards: Anita Kumari, Lynda Kom Serto, Neha, Rejiya Devi Laishram, Shelia Devi Loktongbam, Kajol Hubert Dsouza, Lavanya Upadhyay, Sudha Ankita Tirkey,

Head Coach: Thomas Dennerby

Bembem Devi on the impact of U-17 WWC

“When it was announced that the tournament would be held in India a lot of parents of female footballers from all over the country called and asked about how their daughters could become part of the Indian squad set to play at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 or get a trial for the team,” Devi said.

Bembem went on to talk about the potential of women’s football in India saying, “This World Cup will definitely have a very positive impact on women’s football in India as this will act as the perfect springboard for a constructive cultural change towards women’s football in the country.”

Bala Devi's statement

Bala Devi showed her confidence in the team by adding that one day these youngsters will become icons for many. “This is a journey; when I was playing, I had players I looked up to; these players have their own favourites, and one day these U-17 players will be role models for the next generation,” Bala Devi said when she was asked about female role models in football.

“Yes, of course, India hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is fantastic news for all of us,” the charismatic striker said when asked about the biennial event, before adding, “Furthermore, Indian players playing alongside some of the best young talents during the World Cup is significant because this event can serve as a springboard for their careers.”

Bala Devi backed the Indian team to do well in the tournament, saying, “I am confident that these girls will make us proud.”