A cohesive plan, entitled ‘Bringing Opportunities to Communities’ was launched by The FA in 2015 which details the work of the game’s leading bodies, groups, individuals and flag bearers for change in tackling under representation of Asians in football. The plan encourages inclusion and opening up pathways for Asian communities wishing to contribute to the game at all levels. Crucially, its content was gathered based on feedback from a series of nationwide forums in the country’s most densely populated Asian communities. The plan will:

• Implement programmes to increase the number of Asian boys and girls playing football

• Implement talent development programmes aimed at Asian women, girls, men and boys through Community Development Centres (CDCs) alongside County Football Associations (CFAs)

• Promote Asian male and female role models and diversify the pool of recruitment officers responsible for talent identification from within the Asian community

• Support the recruitment and talent development of Asian boys and girls

Although it is generally agreed that there is still a significant journey ahead, this plan highlights a clear approach to provide better representation from Asian communities as well as developing a wider talent pool for English football.