Friday 15 May 2015 08:31, UK
The Football Association has unveiled its plan to address the chronic under-representation of South Asians across football in this country.
The plan, which was devised after extensive community consultation at eight football forums across the country last year, seeks to increase the presence of British Asians across all levels of the game.
Despite over four millon people of Asian descent residing in the UK, there are currently only six players from the Asian community across the 92 league clubs.
That list includes West Brom youngsters Adil and Samir Nabi, but Swansea’s Neil Taylor and Wolves’ Danny Batth are the only players in the top two tiers enjoying regular game-time.
The FA’s plan – entitled Bringing Opportunities to Communities – is aimed at creating awareness and opportunities for members of the Asian community from grassroots level right through to the professional game.
One of the features of the plan, set to become operational in time for next season, is the creation of 50,000 playing opportunities for Asian youngsters. There is also an emphasis on better integration with the wider football community rather than Asian-specific football activities.
The FA recognise the value of initiatives such as Chelsea’s Asian Star, which focuses on talent identification, and the Sidelined-2-Sidelines project run by the Zesh Rehman Foundation to provide coaching opportunities for members of the Asians community.
But the FA also hope to train 200 Asian scouts by 2018 and want to identify 100 Asian role models involved in all levels of football over the next three years.
The news has been welcomed by Monica Sharma who plays for FA Women’s Premier League South East side Denham United.
“I think it’s a great initiative from the FA, particularly trying to identify 100 Asian role models,” Sharma told Sky Sports.
“I feel that it is imperative that people especially British Asian females in football have people to look up to and motivate them to pursue their own journeys in the game.”
Asian Football Awards founder Baljit Rihal added: “First and foremost it’s good to see that the FA has made an effort with this plan. They have been engaging with the Asian community over the past year and I’m glad that some quality time has been spent devising this much need initiative.
“But it is now essential that measures are put in place to test the effectiveness of this plan.
“For the vast majority of British Asians football is the sport of choice. In order for this plan to succeed an increased financial commitment from the FA is needed over a sustained period of time. The Asian community wants to see a level playing field where they have a chance to shine.”
