TFM Exclusive Footy Chats: Aditi Chauhan

TFM Exclusive Footy Chats: Aditi Chauhan

1. Firstly how was the experience playing at the top level for you? Did you feel pressure before the match when you knew you will be starting?

I was a bit nervous before the game because it was my first game in this league which is a higher standard than the last season when I played for my University so I did not know what level to expect. But I spoke to my goalkeeping coach after the game and he told me that I played decently but I still need to work hard in some areas.

2. How does the quality of football compare at West Ham United Ladies, to the level you played at in Delhi?

There is a lot of difference in the standard of football played by girls here. I am doing my dissertation on Women's football in England for my Masters degree and have come across a lot of facts about FA's investment and involvement in promoting women's football in England. The new semi professional league was started, clear player development path was put in order, state of the art facilities were made available to all women's squads representing the country and as a result of all this they won the bronze medal in the World Cup.3. From a team management point of view, how were you made to feel when you arrived at West Ham United Ladies and how different was it in India?

The manager and the whole team was very welcoming, the media officer has also been very helpful in spreading the news and managing the reaction son social media. So overall I've had a really good experience. I really enjoy the goalkeeping sessions also with our goalkeeper coach, he makes us work hard which I enjoy.

4. Was is difficult to gel in with the team and the coaching staff at West Ham or are you facing any difficulties?

It obviously is a bit different being the only asian in the team but they've all been very welcoming.

5. Do you think there is scope for more women from India to make it to the top level in Football? What is lacking for us to accelerate the development of this game in India from your perspective?

Definitely, I know a lot of talented players from the Indian team who are very talented and if they get the opportunity they probably can make it to the top level too. There are no opportunity for he girls in India to continue playing football after school, that is why a lot of players just give up football. But if we had a league and the girls had something to look forward to then we can certainly develop women's football.

6. Who was your main inspiration in your personal life that helped you realize this dream? How supportive have our family members been of this career?

I have always believed in myself, I never dreamt of achieving all this but just because I loved football and enjoyed playing it, I continued to work hard and it certainly has paid off. My family has been extremely supportive, both my parents as well as my grand parents.

7. We understand that your role models are Neuer and Messi, do you have any role models in Indian footballers?

No, not really

8. You yourself are now a role model for many girls in India trying to reach the top level in sports, not restricted to football. Any message to all of them?

Just want to say keep working hard and follow your passion, no mater what field it is, i have realized that if you follow your passion and pursue something with all your heart you can achieve any level. But I also want to say that all the young boys and girls who want to become professional players in future should not give up education, with experience I can say that education not only helps you in your career after sports but also in your sporting career.