"Children have their dreams, be it completing their education, or entering the world of sports," said  Indian women's football team forward Bala Devi.

She was speaking to the media team of All India Football Federation (AIFF) on a number of issues ranging from sports, football to personal life.

During the talk, she spoke about her keenness to support those children in need, who have been the victims of child labour- especially in India.

"By sending them to work from such an early age, we only hamper that dream," the ace Indian footballer further said.

"I urge everyone to join in on this effort and help save our kids from child labour," she added.

The footballer from Manipur is the first Indian female footballer to have been signed by a foreign team.

The player is currently in Glasgow, Scotland, who is working hard on her fitness as she awaits the restart of the Scottish Premier League.

It may be mentioned here that in India, over 33 million children are being affected by child labour and Bala Devi has initiated steps to raise funds for them.

Bala's aim is to send them back to school with the help of the funds raised.

"I have experienced how the lack of amenities and access hampers the growth of children and becomes a barrier in them achieving their dreams," she further said.

"It is prevalent all around us and everyone knows it. No child deserves to have to do that," she added.

Bala Devi was born in Manipur and she was a part of the Manipur U-19 team that took part in the Under-19 Women's Championship in Assam in 2002.

She was adjudged as the Player of the Tournament in the competition and since then there has been no looking back for the mercurial striker.

By dint of her hard work and improving performances, Bala Devi soon went on to become one of the reckoning names of Indian women's football and today she is one of the star performers of the Indian team.