Sreebhumi Football Club, champions of the Indian Women’s League 2 and the Kanyashree Cup, is gearing up to face tougher competition in the elite Indian Women’s League 2024-25, set to kick off on January 10th.

Club Secretary Rakesh Jha and Head Coach Sujata Kar, in conversation with Parallel Sports, shared insights into their ambitious plans for the club and its players. Both expressed optimism about the team's future, with Jha particularly focused on strengthening the club's foundations to elevate their players' potential. The team is ready to embrace the challenges of the premier league, hoping to inspire with their hard work and resilience.

While talking about expanding the club and bringing it’s exposure to more people and elevating women’s football through introducing residential football clubs, Rakesh Jha stated, “While currently we are not planning for any residential football academy, in the upcoming future we are laying the groundwork for a football academy for both men and women, near the AT Block.”

Jha further stated that after the IWL they will be aiming for the AFC Women’s Champions League. 

When asked about the team’s preparation, he revealed, “The competition at the elite level is undoubtedly more intense. To strengthen our squad, we're planning to bring in international talent. Currently, we have our sights set on three foreign players—two from Ghana and one from Nigeria. We believe their experience and skill will be instrumental as we rise to meet the challenges of this league.”  

He further highlighted that the Sreebhumi ground will not be their home ground for this season. The team will play in the Barrackpore Stadium as their home ground. They are building a team with an approximate budget of 70-80 lakhs. 

The team’s head coach, Sujata Kar, shared that the registration of 35 players for the Indian Women’s League has already been completed. She expressed confidence in the players’ dedication, emphasising their accountability, passion, and commitment to the game. 

"These girls are driven and ready to prove themselves," she added, underscoring her faith in their potential to excel on the big stage. 

The head coach highlighted that she is continuously trying to motivate the players through their rigorous practice. She stated, “I am trying to push them extra for the competition. They are also listening to me and trying their best to keep up with me.” 

While talking about the foreign players, she affirmed that, “As this is the place of competition, we will bring foreign players to intensify the game environment. However, for now I am completely dependent on not only our Bengal players but also the national players.”

Speaking on the broader landscape of women's football, she stated, “It’s essential for teams to practice with purpose and efficiency. We need to cultivate a stronger competitive mindset among young players and, just as importantly, to show our belief in their potential. With the right support, these athletes can achieve remarkable success.” 

The coach expressed strong confidence in her team, stating, “Our players are brimming with potential and are incredibly hard working. While the competition will be challenging, I am confident that they’ll deliver outstanding results. Their dedication and drive make me believe they’re ready to make a significant impact.”