East Bengal FC head coach Anthony Andrews has joined the India U17 women's team coaching staff alongside head coach Joakim Alexandersson.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Anthony Andrews as the assistant coach of the India Under-17 women's national team. Joakim Alexandersson will continue in his role as the head coach of the squad. Andrews, who is the current head coach of East Bengal FC, will maintain his duties with the club while taking on this national assignment.
Andrews has already joined the India U17 squad in Tashkent, where the Young Tigresses are scheduled to play two international friendlies against Uzbekistan on Thursday and Sunday. The matches form part of India's preparation for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, which will be held in Malaysia from October 5 to 11. India has been drawn into Group E alongside Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq.
Speaking about his appointment, Andrews said, "Having spent a significant part of my coaching career in women’s football, working across both youth and senior levels, representing the country in this capacity is a responsibility that I take with immense pride and commitment."
He added: "Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with and develop many players who have gone on to represent India at youth and senior levels. Those experiences have given me valuable insights into player development, talent identification, and creating environments where young players can maximise their potential. I hope to bring that experience, along with the winning culture."
Andrews is the most successful coach in Indian Women's League (IWL) history, having secured four titles and remaining the only head coach to win multiple IWL trophies. He led Gokulam Kerala FC to consecutive league titles in 2021-22 and 2022-23, before guiding East Bengal FC to back-to-back championships in 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Under his leadership, East Bengal has also achieved historic milestones on the continental stage. On August 23, 2026, Andrews coached East Bengal to victory in the Preliminary Stage of the AFC Women's Champions League 2026-27 in Malaysia, making them the first Indian women's club to qualify for the group stage in consecutive seasons. Last season, East Bengal also became the first Indian women's club to win a match in the AFC Women's Champions League group stage under his direction.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.