Blue Pilgrims – Indian Football Teams very own dedicated fan base
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India will see a lot of firsts and one of them is the advent of a dedicated fan base for the Indian football team, the – Blue Pilgrims.
An amalgamation of several club fan bases across the I-League as well as the Indian Super League, this is an altogether revolutionary initiative of sorts in Indian football.
“When I first heard that India is going to host the U-17 World Cup, I was hoping we could do something to support the team. And that idea has now come to life.” shares Waseem Ahmed of the West Block Blues.
“When I contacted with this idea to some of the top fan clubs across India, everyone welcomed it. Mariners Base Camp, Dynamos Ultras. Super Machans, East Bengal Ultras, Pune’s Orange Army as well as fans from the North East and Goa and many others have joined their hands for this.”
“Like every club has its own fan base, this is purely for anyone who wishes to support team India. We would want everyone travelling to Delhi or already in Delhi to come and join us. So that we can cheer our boys together.”
When asked about their plans in Delhi he was happy to explain, “We have planned to march from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro station towards the stadium itself 3 hours before kick-off, unfurling banners, create a flag mosaic and screaming our lungs out for the team. Everyone will be wearing blue, be it the national jersey or simply any clothing of that colour. We have got a good response so far with around 300 fans expected to join in.”
“Footballing fans devoid of their club loyalties and rivalries have come together for this.” The name too shows where their loyalty lies. “We chose the name Blue Pilgrims because football in general and Indian football in particular is sacred to us. The way devotees go to Kashi, Mecca or the Vatican we will follow our national team. It’s a pilgrimage for us and it starts in Delhi.” thus clearly defining their dedication towards Indian football.
Also Read: Great motivation to have your parents around to watch you play in a world cup
This is not the first initiative being carried out by fans in India. Previously folks in Bengaluru had organised the “Beds for Travelling Fans”, where fans going to Bengaluru to watch the Senior National Team would get accommodation at the houses of local fans.
“Travelling and especially accommodation could be costly for some. So we ensured that those coming to support Team India would find a place to sleep and rest”, added Waseem.
With high chances of the Senior National Team booking a place at the Asian Cup 2019 in UAE, the group wants to continue this concept well past the U-17 World Cup. “We want to build a travelling fans culture in Indian football. Club teams have had their own set of travelling fans but the Senior National Team deserves their own support as well. Be it India or abroad, whenever and wherever India plays, we want to be there.”
“We need a lot of support and I pray that all footballing fans to join us in this movement. Be it at the stadiums or homes”, as he appeals towards fellow Indian footballing fans to join in chanting ‘India! India! India! India!’
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…