Nineteen-year-old Kashif Siddiqi, a second year soccer student at Uxbridge College Sporting Academy in Middlesex, has chosen the offer of a scholarship at Eckerd College at St Petersburg, Florida, whose soccer team plays in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Sunshine State Conference.

Kashif goes with the best wishes of ex-Tottenham and Republic of Ireland winger Tony Galvin – Uxbridge’s former head of sport. “This is a tremendous breakthrough for Kashif,” he said. “He is making a real impression as a winger, is very committed and trains hard. He deserves to do well.”

The youngster’s progress has been helped by training with Yeading FC as part of his college course, and then with Boston United. However, his biggest success so far has been in winning a place in the Pakistan Under-21 side after being spotted by a scout while playing in a friendly match during a holiday in Pakistan.

“I know it’s every boy’s dream to become a footballer,” he says, “but I believe I have the devotion to reach a higher level. Although I was born in England, I hold dual nationality. My ambition is to become a professional footballer and I want to become one of the first Asian professionals in this country. This breakthrough is a step closer to my ambition and I am fortunate enough to have the full backing of my parents and family.”

Kashif, who went to Harlington Community School before joining the Sporting Academy at Uxbridge College, will be given leave of absence from his sports course to join the Pakistan national squad in November for a two-month training stint.

Eckerd College’s head men’s soccer coach, Derrick Leeson, says that the benefits could work both ways. “We are excited at the prospect of someone with Kashif’s ability joining the programme and we are certain he will be a positive influence on our soccer team and campus community. We will help him and I’m certain he will help us.”

Lucy Faulkner, The FA’s Ethics and Sports Equity Manager, says that Kashif sounds an exciting prospect.

“It is well documented that some ethnic groups are still under-represented as professional players – such as those from an Asian background and descendants of migrants from places like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka.

“A great deal of progress has been made, but The FA is committed to continuing our work in this area and reaching out to achieve the ideals of a game free of racial prejudice and intolerance that reflects our changing society,” she adds. “I would personally like to send Kashif my best wishes, and hope that he benefits from his time in America.”

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