The Football Association recently introduced its groundbreaking South Asians in Football plan, a significant move aimed at enhancing representation within the English game. Termed as ‘Build, Connect, Support,’ this plan marks a pivotal step by the FA to address the severe under-representation of South Asians in football, a community that constitutes the single-largest minority ethnic group in England. With less than one percent of professionally contracted players in the country hailing from this community, football has been under mounting pressure to bridge this gap and promote inclusivity.
A key figure in this initiative is FA director Yasir Mirza, who acknowledges the stark challenge of South Asian representation in elite football. Despite the daunting task, Mirza asserts the FA’s unwavering commitment to tackling this issue head-on. The recent unveiling of the South Asians in Football plan by the FA is a culmination of concerted efforts over the past year, involving collaboration with numerous stakeholders across the game, including significant organizations like the Premier League, EFL, Kick It Out, and the Professional Footballers Association.
Sky Sports has played a pivotal role in championing this cause by launching the first-ever index page dedicated to British South Asians in Football within mainstream media. This groundbreaking initiative has been recognized with the prestigious Diversity in Media Award at the Asian Media Awards, showcasing leadership and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the sport.
The Professional Footballers Association’s AIMS project and the Premier League’s South Asian Action Plan in 2022 further underscore the industry-wide endeavor to foster a more inclusive environment for South Asians in football. The FA’s ‘Build, Connect, Support’ plan seeks to create awareness and access to opportunities within the sport for South Asian communities across the country. By focusing on key areas such as playing, coaching, and refereeing, the plan aims to drive representation and engagement among South Asians in football.
Dal Darroch, the FA’s head of diversity, highlights the strategic objectives of the South Asians in Football plan, including raising awareness of pathways into football, embedding South Asian inclusion in grassroots football, and developing opportunities for increased female participation. The plan also emphasizes enhancing communication and engagement between the FA and South Asian communities, fostering a more inclusive and reflective footballing landscape.
To achieve these objectives, the FA has set ambitious targets across various facets of the game, such as recruitment for refereeing roles and talent identification courses. Additionally, the FA is implementing initiatives like a grassroots football parents support network and a scheme linking community clubs with higher-tier clubs in the football pyramid. The FA South Asian Shield, an annual tournament for South Asian heritage clubs, and a dedicated online platform for South Asians in Football are also in the pipeline.
The FA’s concerted efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in football were recently exemplified by Hamza Choudhury’s move to Sheffield United on an initial loan deal from the Premier League. Choudhury, one of the highest-profile British South Asians in the English game, underscores the importance of providing opportunities and platforms for aspiring South Asian footballers to thrive and excel.
The ‘Build, Connect, Support: South Asians in Football Plan’ by the Football Association marks a significant milestone in fostering a more inclusive and representative footballing landscape. Through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, the FA aims to create a welcoming and diverse environment that reflects the modern society we live in. To learn more about the FA’s South Asians in Football plan and stay updated on related stories and features, visit the dedicated South Asians in Football page on Sky Sports’ digital platforms.
