Meet Gulafsha Ansaari, Founder Of Dreaming In A Slum Football Initiative

Meet Gulafsha Ansaari: Growing up with an underprivileged Muslim background, a free snack was enough incentive for children in her locality to do something. So when an NGO in her neighbourhood started offering delicious munchies to kids who showed up for football training every Sunday, Gulafsha Ansaari was there for every session. "It wasn’t long before I started going for the game, and not just the snack - I loved playing. We were two girls and 15 boys. Since the boys were in majority, the ball was rarely passed to us girls. Until I lost my temper and demanded the ball. Problem solved," says Ansari.

She was nine-years-old when she started playing football and hasn't stopped since then. In a chat with SheThePeople, 25-year-old Gulafsha Ansaari talks about how she ended up playing professional football, how the sport has impacted her life and how girls have the power to change their life.

What inspired you to start Dreaming In a Slum initiative?

In 2011, I participated in, a leadership camp that was organised by International Olympic Committee where all participants from under-developed communities had to commit to a project that used our skills as athletes to make a difference in our communities. The winner would be sent to The London Olympics as the junior ambassador of the country. That’s when my Dreaming In a Slum was born. A few years of football had opened me up to so much, and I wanted that for the other girls in my community. I was 14 then.

It wasn’t easy to convince parents to send their daughters to play football, what they considered a boys' game. Particularly if there was a fee attached, to cover costs. Luckily, my parents supported me and I managed to enroll 20 girls. And represented India as junior Ambassador at the London Olympics in 2012. I returned and worked even harder for the next few years and increased the count to 60 girls. In 2015 I was selected to represent India in the FIFA Football for Hope Fairplay Tournament in South Africa which showcases players from NGOs across the world.

Footballer Gulafsha Ansaari

It was wonderful to meet young people like me from all over the world who want to use football to bring change in the conditions, mentalities and outlook of communities they come from. Dreaming In a Slum now has 90 girls playing football now, and I feel really good. Recently I set up a new project in an area that has a high number of single mothers. I have rallied friends who are coaches to come and give those girls the chance we were given.

How has Football impacted your life?

Everything I am today and everything that I have is thanks to football. Not only did I discovered a sport that I love, I can help girls in my community to step out of her homes, take a gulp of air and dream of a different life. The same parents who claimed that girls playing football was against their religion ten years ago, now chase me to take their girls under my wing. The change is huge.

What would be your message to the girls of India on Women’s Day?

You can change your life if you set your mind to it. Why wait for anyone else to do it for you? And football is a great way to do it. Try it. Every football player can’t be a pro. But every player is a winner because the game gives you back much more than you give it.

Your comments on the IWFA Girls Goals Cup?

Anjali Ma’am is known in Indian Women’s Football as a staunch supporter of Women’s Rights. She has always ensured that girls’ teams get exactly the same perks and treatment that the boys do. I am proud to participate in this tournament and encourage girls to stand up for their rights.

Priya Mirchandani is a core member of the Indian Women's Football Alliance. SheThePeople is a partner of IWFA.