Riya Mannu, 17, recently became the first British Indian to play league football for Birmingham City Women (Blues) and has made a mark as the one to watch on the Under-21s football circuit with several impressive goals under her belt.
In March, Riya made history when she stepped on the pitch to play for Birmingham City Women, where the Blues won 4-0 against Reading in the Barclay’s Women’s Championships. In this exclusive interview, iGlobal catches up with Riya and her mother, Sushma Mannu, to go behind the scenes of the teenager’s incredible sporting journey, explore what her achievements mean for young British Indian girls who want to pursue a career in sport and find out more about her future goals.
How did you get into football?
Riya Mannu (RM): I've always been in and around football. My dad's side of the family have always played, as far back as my granddad. I’ve been around it since I was born; I was always interested so that's probably how it all started. I’m the first one to play professionally in the family though.
What's that journey been like?
RM: There's been a lot of ups and downs, but I think because my family, everyone at the club, my coaches and my teammates have been so supportive, it has made it a lot easier. And my development is going really well at the minute, which is good.
Sushma Mannu (SM): Any career path like this will have ups and downs but she's been really good and the club has been there right from the beginning if we ever needed any support with anything. We've got some good resources to help us.
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What was that like to play your debut match for the Blues?
RM: So before the match, I obviously didn't have any expectations on what was going to happen, but as a player, you always have to be prepared for anything and everything; someone might get injured or changes might be made last minute, for example.
So the match started as usual. And then halftime came and it was about one nil or two nil to us. And then I thought, ‘okay, maybe if two or three goals went in, I might have a chance.’ And then we scored the fourth goal and then I thought, ‘okay, I might have a chance here.’
And then the assistant manager said, ‘Riya, go and warm up and then we'll go through some stuff with you.’ I don't think it hit me then that I was going to go on the pitch. When my number came up on the board and the player that came off gave me a massive hug. It was a massive rush of adrenaline, and a little bit of nerves, just before I walked on. Once I go on the pitch, though, whenever I play, I don't think nerves really hit me.
It didn’t fully hit me till I saw my parents and my family after the final whistle, who were in the stands supporting me. I saw them and it was an amazing feeling. I can't really describe it, to be honest. There were so many emotions all at one time.
SM: We had no idea beforehand. As the goals began to go in, we started to think it might be happening. And then when it did, I can't really describe the moment - it was just out of this world. She was then playing where she wanted to play and where she wants to be, and that was simply surreal.
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What message do you hope to give to other youngsters who want to play sports professionally?
RM: I think just if you enjoy something, pursue it. And every time you play, enjoy it, because that's what football's there for. And if you want to go further than that just work hard and listen to the people that want to help you and the people that have your best interest in their heart. That'd be my message for young people coming through.
SM: Over time, as a parent, you get to know what your child's passion is and if you can see that your child is really trying to focus on something - even if it is a different route - then just let them work towards it. As long as they're working hard and they're showing that passion through their work, then I believe just to give it a go. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication but it can happen.
*Info: Riya Mannu
