'Want to build dominant women's team', NorthEast United FC CEO shares vision on club's women's team

NorthEast United FC’s women’s team are ready to make history in IWL 2

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) CEO Mandar Tamhane shared the club’s vision for its women’s division and long-term goals. NUEFC took a major step towards promoting women’s football by officially entering the Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL 2).

Marking a historic moment, the club is set to compete in a women’s football tournament for the first time. Speaking about this landmark move, He emphasized that the aim is not just participation but building a strong foundation for the future.

“Our vision is to build a dominant women’s football team—not just competing in IWL 2, but ascending to IWL 1, winning championships, and proudly representing our nation in the AFC Women’s Club Competition,” Tamhane stated in an exclusive conversation with Khel Now.

History in the making! 🌟Get ready to cheer on NorthEast United FC's first-ever women's team as they debut in the IWL II! This is just the beginning of an incredible chapter for football in our region. Let's show them our full support!#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #NEUFCWomen pic.twitter.com/pHEjLUW8G6

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) March 1, 2025

A Meaningful Step Towards Growth

NEUFC had been planning to establish a women’s squad for several years, and in 2024, the club finally took concrete steps by holding its first-ever trials for the women’s division. Leading up to this, co-owner John Abraham and the club had announced the launch of under-17 women’s trials, further showcasing their commitment to developing talent at the grassroots level.

NorthEast United FC was founded in 2014, but it took nearly a decade for them to introduce a women’s division. Addressing the delay, Tamhane explained, “First and foremost, we want to do justice to our team by ensuring they receive quality training and competition throughout the year so that we can have a meaningful impact. You are not truly contributing to their development if you assemble a team a month before a tournament, play, and then have no further activity.”

He further added, “That’s why we are still testing the waters. Based on our assessment, we will continue strengthening our team for different competitions and a longer league.”

Laying the foundation for history! Our first-ever women's team is building one step at a time, ready to conquer the IWL II. 🧱🧱#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #NEUFCWomen pic.twitter.com/tAkpICe6Rb

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) March 1, 2025

Building the Women’s Team from the Ground Up

Tamhane, who took charge of the club in 2023 after a successful tenure with Bengaluru FC, has been working to reshape NorthEast United FC’s structure. Discussing the strategy for the women’s team, he said, “We recognize that we’re building the women’s team for the first time. That’s why we’re strategically launching it in IWL 2 to assess the landscape.”

Challenges in Indian Women’s Football

While women’s football in India is growing, several challenges persist. Tamhane pointed out that the lack of competitive opportunities remains a significant issue.

“The major challenge for women’s football in India is the lack of competition. Both IWL and IWL 2 are short tournaments,” he explained.

Comparing it to men’s football, he elaborated, “Our men’s and reserve teams get to participate in multiple tournaments throughout the year. However, women’s teams train all year and only get to play in a competition that lasts just a month or two.”

To ensure meaningful development, he emphasized the need for longer tournaments and more competitions to give female footballers adequate exposure and opportunities to improve.

NEUFC’s IWL 2 Journey Begins

NorthEast United FC has been placed in Group C of IWL 2 alongside SESA FA, Mumbai Knights FC, Tungabhadra FC, and Liberty Ladies FC. Their opening match is scheduled for March 30, 2025, against Liberty Ladies FC at the SESA Academy Ground in Sirsaim, Goa.

The upcoming IWL 2 season will see 15 teams divided into three groups of five. The group stage will follow a single round-robin format at a central venue from March 28 to April 11. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Final Round, where the top two finishers will earn promotion to IWL 1 for the 2025-26 season.

In the league’s inaugural season, Sreebhumi FC clinched the championship, edging out Nita Football Academy on a head-to-head tiebreaker after both teams finished with 10 points from five matches.

As NorthEast United FC steps into the women’s football scene, their journey in IWL 2 will not just be about competition but about laying a strong foundation for the future of women’s football in the region.

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