Four young and ambitious coaches graduated from The FA’s BAME Elite Coach Menteeship Programme on Thursday at a ceremony held at St. George’s Park.
Alena Moulton, Annie Zaidi, Taff Rahman and Zuber Patel were invited into England youth team setups to gain first-hand experience of their work.
Over a 12-month period the quartet attended UEFA study visits and League Managers Association masterclasses, learnt more about County FA initiatives and spent time with FA youth and national coach developer teams who support the pro game.
Wayne Allison, The FA’s coach inclusion and diversity manager, said: “When we welcomed Annie, Taff, Alena and Zuber onto the programme, our aim was clear – to expose them to experiences that would equip them with new skills and confidence to progress their journeys along whatever route they wished.
“Twelve months later, I believe we have four graduates perfectly suited to take on every opportunity and any challenge presented to them.
“They have been an absolute delight to work with and I am immensely proud of how they have all progressed and grown as people.”
The graduation ceremony looked back on each coach’s experiences and celebrated their individual achievements whilst taking part in the programme.
Patel said: “I leave the programme plotting a path upward to work near the national teams.
“I've just completed the best masters in the world of football. The programme has made me believe again.
“No one is getting close to what The FA is providing in this area.”
It is hoped that the programme will generate a more varied talent pool of both BAME male and female coaches whilst also providing greater opportunities within football in this country for all.
Moulton added: “The world is my oyster.
“People ask me my best moment on the course? When I found out I was on course.
“I always knew I was capable. This proved it.
You can discover how to begin your own coaching pathway here.
