Laibi Phanjoubam established AMMA FC, a football club for women from the Loi Scheduled Caste community in Andro, to combat insurgency and empower women through sports. Over 30 years, she has mentored many, including Nirmala Phanjoubam, a national player. AMMA FC also imparts skills like computer literacy and weaving.
As the Indian women's football team gears up for a friendly against Iran in the Tri-Nation Cup in Shillong, Nirmala Phanjoubam, a key player, credits her success to her mentor, 'Ebo' Laibi Phanjoubam. Known affectionately as 'grandmother,' Laibi has dedicated her life to transforming women's lives through football in Andro.
Laibi, merely four-feet-tall, founded AMMA FC in 1993 to offer alternative opportunities for young women amidst the political unrest of the 90s. Despite lacking prior experience in football management, her efforts have led to the production of professional players like Nirmala, steering them away from insurgency and towards sporting success.
Running AMMA FC amid financial constraints, Laibi has provided training and essential support, nurturing talents who aspire to reach national and international platforms. In a community with limited amenities, her initiative transcends sports, offering skills in computer literacy and weaving, as showcased in the documentary 'Andro Dreams' at the International Film Festival of India 2023.