All India Football Federation (AIFF) has named East Bengal FC's record-breaking head coach Anthony Andrews as the assistant coach for the India U17 women's national team.

  • Anthony Andrews joins the India U17 women's setup as Assistant Coach.
  • He will continue his dual role as Head Coach of East Bengal FC.
  • The appointment comes as the team prepares for AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers.
  • Andrews is the most decorated coach in Indian Women's League (IWL) history.

In a significant move for the development of grassroots football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially appointed Anthony Andrews as the assistant coach of the India Under-17 women's national team. Andrews will work alongside Joakim Alexandersson, who continues in his role as the head coach of the squad.

The appointment is particularly notable as Andrews will maintain his current responsibilities as the head coach of East Bengal FC. He is currently stationed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with the 'Young Tigresses' as they prepare for two critical international friendly matches against the Uzbekistani side. These matches serve as vital preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that integrating highly successful club-level coaches into the national setup is a vital step for tactical evolution. Andrews brings a 'winning culture' that is desperately needed at the youth international level to bridge the gap between domestic dominance and continental success.

"Having spent a significant part of my coaching career in women’s football, representing the country in this capacity is a responsibility that I take with immense pride and commitment," Andrews stated.

Andrews is widely regarded as the most successful coach in the history of the Indian Women's League (IWL). His trophy cabinet includes four league titles, having led Gokulam Kerala FC to back-to-back titles in 2021-22 and 2022-23, before guiding East Bengal FC to consecutive championships in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

His expertise extends beyond domestic borders. Under his leadership, East Bengal FC became the first Indian women's club to qualify for the group stage of the AFC Women's Champions League in consecutive seasons, further solidifying his reputation as a tactician capable of competing at the highest Asian levels.

Historical Background

The rise of women's football in India has been fueled by the establishment of the IWL and increased investment in youth academies. The transition of top-tier club coaches to national roles marks a maturing ecosystem where tactical sophistication is being applied to the developmental stages of the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Where will the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers take place?
Answer: The qualifiers are scheduled to be held in Malaysia from October 5 to 11, 2026.

Question 2: Which group is India in for the upcoming qualifiers?
Answer: India is placed in Group E alongside Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq.