The Asian Football Network (AFN) was created to tackle the numerous challenges facing the Asian football community, including under-representation, lack of opportunities, access to participation and pathways to affiliated and non-affiliated football.

The catalyst for the AFN was the absence of a platform for the Asian football community to enable and empower aspiring players, coaches, managers, teams, supporters and volunteers to access football through mainstream provision. 

the main aim of the AFN is to provide this much needed platform through the development of sustainable partnerships with county FA’s, football clubs, funders and sports providers as well as a growing number of grassroots Asian football projects that are currently working in isolation. 

The preliminary idea for the AFN led to the creation of the East London Forum. The first football open day was held in October 2003 and an inaugural forum meeting in February 2004. 

The East London Forum quickly established a network of key individuals and organisations involved in football in East London including Essex FA, Football in the Community schemes and most importantly, local grassroots Asian football projects. 

Kuljit Randhawa AFN Founder said: “The AFN network has been developed in response to a growing need for information and resources aimed specifically at the UK Asian football community. 

"The AFN website provides a resource for individuals and groups that want to move on from the unproductive debate of the last 10 years and look towards highlighting good practice in the UK and more importantly supporting, facilitating and developing new sustainable projects and ideas."

The partnership between The FA and the AFN began in 2004 following the Football for All conference in Derby.

Since then The FA has provided essential support during the conception of the AFN, and will remain a key partner in the delivery of its future aims and objectives. Both parties recognise the importance and value of a dynamic and sustainable partnership between all stakeholders for the improvement of football development. 

Lucy Faulkner, The FA's Ethics and Equality Manager said: "I am delighted to be working with the AFN to ensure that as many Asian people as possible have the opportunity to take part in and enjoy football. 

"The AFN brings people together locally and supports them to develop opportunities in participation and training as well as providing support to developing a wide range of footballing opportunities. 

"The FA is totally commited to ensuring that people from all backgrounds are involved in football and this is one initiative which lives out the values of our equality campaign – Football For All."

For more information, log on to: http://www.asianfootballnetwork.org.uk/