Meet Jennifer Peters: Mom, Physical Education Teacher, Football Player

Jennifer Peters says that she was always an athletic child, playing every sport that she could. At 12 she discovered football. She loved being part of a team, the coordination and the moves. Whenever she felt unwell, there was one remedy – get on the field and play. She’d feel better instantly. Even today when someone asks her what she does, she is filled with pride to reply, “I play football”.

In a chat with SheThePeople Jennifer Peters opens up about her love for the sport, motherhood and gender bias in the sport.

How did a professional career in football happen to you?

After playing at the state champions level for three years I moved on to Junior nationals and then got selected for the India Camp, from where the Under 17 National Team is selected. Sadly it clashed with my board exams and I couldn’t go. But I kept playing, moved from state to state but kept missing the selection.

The Indian Government should encourage the Railways to hire women footballers, like they do men: Jennifer Peters

My parents stopped supporting me, they felt I was wasting my time. I needed to support myself, so I joined Infosys but continued playing when I could. And 10 years after I started playing, my wish came true and I was finally picked by a talent scout for the India Camp. It was fantastic to train along side legends like Baladevi and Bembem Devi. Sadly I didn’t make it to the Nationals and while that will always remain a source of regret, I am happy I made it to the India Camp. I play the club circuit now. I also work full-time as a PE teacher in a school.

What’s it like to have a baby and then go right back to football?

Not easy. My stamina has taken a hit, especially compared to the 20 year olds I play with and against. I have to train harder than everyone else. But the girls are all super supportive, as they know I have been in the field for ages. My hero is Alex Morgan, amazing how she’s
upped her game after she had her baby. I am married to a pro footballer and my two-year-old’s favourite toy is …you guessed it, a football.

There’s just very little scope for women footballers to hone their skills or make enough money from the sport to sustain themselves: Jennifer Peters

Why do you think there are so few women playing professional football in India?

Women can’t really make a living off football in India, as of now. Cricket maybe. But not football. So unless you have financial support from family, it’s not feasible. And unlike men who can represent corporates, banks or even government services as pro-football hires, that option isn’t available to women. The Indian Government should encourage the Railways to hire women footballers, like they do men. There’s just very little scope for women footballers to hone their skills or make enough money from the sport to sustain themselves.

Jennifer Peters and her son Jayden.

What’s your take on the gender bias in Indian Football?

When I was growing up the boys teams was always given preference in every area. Girl athletes were not allowed to play or train with the boys team, which in my opinion was a pity because we would have had better training, better competition and better skills. Now things are a little different in that area at least. There are mixed tournaments, I have played many co-ed tournaments and it is very satisfying. Though sadly there is a difference in the prize money between genders. That’s discouraging. We need to bridge this gender gap. I feel Anjali Shah is one person who really pushes for gender parity in the game. That is why I love playing for her Team, PIFA.

How do you feel about playing in the Girls Goals Cup?

Happy to be here, trying to take the message of equality to girls across India. Without goals it’s impossible to bridge the gender difference.

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