Standards in Rangers FC are way higher than Indian football — Bala Devi

The first women footballer from India to sign a professional contract with a foreign football club, Bala Devi says that the training levels at Rangers FC is higher than that on India and she is trying to fit in the environment.

Bala told ANI, "The girls have been really supportive. Most of them are from other countries so it's a very welcoming and warm environment."

Devi signed an 18-month contract with Scotland's club Ranger FC and became the first Asian International to join the club. "The level, of course, is much higher than India and it’s a year-long league so it’s very good to be playing in this environment. The movement off the ball, passing speed and physical play is at a much higher level but I am adjusting," Bala Devi told ANI.

She clarifies that food is not a problem for her as she lives with players from Canada, Venezuela, France and Northern Ireland and all have different types of food and taste but also keep the football diet in mind whenever they eat."The club is very supportive and training is almost every day (just like the men's team) and the coach and staff always help out with the language, support to get nutrition, gym schedules so we are pretty much set."

The 30-year-old footballer from Manipur said that the level is way higher here and since it is a year-long league, it is better to be playing here. She added, "The club is very supportive and training is almost every day (just like the men's team) and the coach and staff always help out with the language, support to get nutrition, gym schedules so we are pretty much set."

After playing in India for such a long time, going there and looking at the facilities that were provided, especially for the women's team, she was surprised.

Also read: I am overjoyed and hoping to reach new heights with Rangers FC — Bala Devi