In Indian sports as a whole, the fan experience is perhaps the most neglected element. Stadiums may roar with passion, but they often lack the basics. That includes clean washrooms, access for individuals with disabilities, and inclusive spaces. Kochi’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, despite its grandeur, still struggles to accommodate the massive crowds that pour in during big matches. And as Supriya Menon, co-owner of Forca Kochi FC, rightly points out, if we fail to bring women to the stadiums, we’re ignoring half the population.
Speaking on Super Dugout, the official podcast of Super League Kerala, Supriya shared an honest and refreshing perspective on what it takes to make football more inclusive, both inside and outside the stadium. The podcast also featured Nasly Mohammed, her fellow co-owner.
“Sports have always been a male-dominated space in our country,” she said. “The question is, how do we make more women come and watch the game? How do we make families feel safe together in a stadium?”
For Supriya, the solution lies in infrastructure and empathy. She stressed that clean washrooms, secure entry and exit points, and women-friendly seating zones are not luxuries but the foundation of a genuine footballing culture. Drawing a parallel between watching a movie and attending a match, she explained how both are community experiences that depend on comfort and safety.
“As a girl who grew up in Delhi, I know what fear feels like when you’re entering or exiting a crowded space. No woman should feel unsafe while watching a game,” she noted.
Her words point toward a deeper truth. The stadiums in India are built for fans, but rarely with them in mind. The experience often ends where the enthusiasm begins. Yet, some clubs have already shown how small, thoughtful changes can transform matchdays. Take Bengaluru FC, for instance. After a spate of crimes against women in 2016, the club launched the #WeForWomen campaign, walking out in pink kits to promote women’s safety and awareness. Last season, they revived the idea through #LouderThanEver, installing women-only security help desks, mobile toilets, and special access zones.
Other clubs across India could take a lesson or two from BFC’s initiative. Creating safer stadiums doesn’t require millions in investment, just a genuine commitment to dignity and awareness.
Supriya’s vision extends far beyond the turnstiles. Supriya spoke with warmth about grassroots football and her desire to support underprivileged children through structured training, mentorship, and education. Forca Kochi, she said, wants to become a platform where raw potential meets opportunity.
“There are so many gifted kids who just need the right platform. We want to give back to society by helping them train, educating them, and keeping them away from negative influences.”
She believes live football can ignite young dreams, as seeing a local player on the pitch could be the moment a child decides to pursue sport seriously.
“Watching a live match can be the catalyst for many young people to take up sport as a career. It’s time we built sport as a culture, not a privilege.”
She concluded with hope for a league that not only delivers results on the field but sets an example off it.
“Last season, we saw only a few women. This year, I really hope with better facilities and the league’s efforts, we’ll see many more.”
