Girls Play, Girls Lead

Photos and words by Elvira González-Vallés Martínez

“We are hope. We are the means to a livelihood,” it reads on the YFC Rurka Kalan website. Integral to this social organisation are the thousands of girls and women involved in their various ways in YFC Rurka Kalan’s programmes.

Whether as managers, coaches, players, young leaders, mentors, mothers, teachers, trainers, cooks, and more; they are shaping the path for future generations of girls to play football, to take the lead and to transform their community – for good.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, this edition of FOOTBALL4GOOD & Photography is dedication to all of these girls and women from Rurka Kalan in the northern Indian state of Punjab.

We meet six young women who have been empowered through football and are now passing on what the beautiful game gave to them to others. They want to change their society and improve the world around them, which, for them, doesn’t mean denying their roots or losing their identity.

Though their approaches may vary there is one thing they all agree upon: when they put on their football kit and step onto the pitch, the feel empowered, proud, fulfilled and stronger than ever.

RAJINDER KAUR (23), Youth Mentor and Community Coach

I deliver “Sports for Development” sessions to more than 100 children every day.

When I step onto the pitch I feel I have the energy and focus to face any challenges that come my way.

I regularly go to the ground, study and do my job at the same time. If I can do all of these things simultaneously, why can’t other women like me do the same?

We need to question the orthodox mindset which has been ingrained in us and begin to adapt to the times we live in.

SANDEEP KAUR (14), Football Player for the U-14 Girls Football Team of YFC Rurka Kalan

I feel very good and happy when I am able to come to the ground and play without any restrictions. In the future, I would like to represent India as a national football player.

I want to encourage other girls to come to the ground and play and don’t be afraid of anything. Also, focus on your studies for a good future.

RAVINA (26), Manager at YFC Rurka Kalan

I want to create equal opportunities for all, no matter their gender, beliefs, caste, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status or religion.

Everybody should have to opportunity to make the most out of their abilities and fulfil their potential.

My message to young women: do not underestimate yourselves in any field. Any girl can do anything with passion, dedication and hard work. Work on your flaws and be the best you can be.

MONIKA RANI (27), Football Coach and Youth Mentor at YFC Rurka Kalan

My mission is to be a role model for our community, both for the kids I am working with and for their families, communities and society.

I want to send a message to young women: you can choose to embrace traditional values and, at the same time, follow your own dreams and desires, designing your future the way you want to.

RAMNEEK KAUR (15), Football player for the U-16 Girls football team of YFC Rurka Kalan

I want to become a professional football player. When I wear my football kit and I am in the football ground, I feel good because I can forget everything around me.

I would like to tell the girls that are not studying or involved in any other game: please come out of your home and play.

JASPREET KAUR (28), Training and Monitoring Officer at YFC Rurka Kalan

My special mission is ensuring that in whichever schools we work, a positive, long-term effect is set in motion.

When I put my football kit on and go out onto the pitch, I feel like I am the best and strongest women in the world. 

That is why I want to encourage young girls to step onto the pitch to play sports and, at the same time, participate in social projects. They have to overcome the old mindset, which limits their ability to pursue their passions and dreams.