The FA will host eight Asian Community Forums between 20 January-16 April across England, aimed at encouraging networking and showcasing pathways into football for Asians.
Our first event takes place at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road on 20 January (6pm-9pm). Luton is a fitting place to kick-start the Asian Forum tour since around 30 percent of the town are from an Asian background.
Luton Town academy coach Duhaj Uddin will be speaking at the forum and is part of our Club Placement Programme. The 36-year-old has his UEFA B license and currently coaches Luton’s under-10s side.
“I am so grateful to The FA for giving me a bursary to get my UEFA B license,” says Uddin, who is also a geography teacher at Stopsley High School in Luton. “I qualified in August last year and started at Luton in October.
“I grew up playing recreational football and it wasn’t until I was 16 that I started getting formal coaching. Suddenly, I realised there were all different kinds of tactics and knew coaching was for me.
“I think a lot of young Asians have a passion for football, but don’t know what to do with it if they aren’t gifted with elite-level talent. The whole point of the Asian Community Forums is to help provide more Asians with the tools to develop their game or stay in football in some other capacity. That might also mean becoming a coach, referee, volunteer or just a prominent voice.”
Uddin started coaching in grassroots football in 2002 after he got his level two license. Having played for Luton United – formally known as Luton Asians – he has risen through the club to become its chair.
“Luton United is a really inclusive club,” says Uddin. “Luton Town is the same, although we don’t currently have any Asian kids in our under-10s side and that’s something I am working on alongside [Luton’s head of coaching] Adrian Forbes. But at Luton United we have a range of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Sri Lankan players of all ages.
“We have about 140 players from both sexes playing across ten teams. And alongside the football, the club has charity status and we are constantly fundraising to improve our profile and facilities.
“Young Asians need no encouragement to play football, but forging a career out of it can seem risky. Plus, there can be discrimination along the way. I remember being told to, ‘Go back to the cricket pitch’ as a teenager. These type of glib insults can put off players.
“That’s why they need role models to show them the pathways to success. Personally, I wouldn’t call myself a role model, but I am certainly an example of what hard work and having a dream can achieve.”
Uddin’s family have supported him every step of the way, but he admits not every Asian who wants a career in football is so lucky.
“There may parents at the Asian Community Forum in Luton who have concerns,” admits Uddin, whose coaching idol is former Italy and Milan manager Arrigo Sacchi due to his famed attention to detail. “As a practicing Muslim, there are definitely challenges in maintaining a football career.
“For example, a lot of parents only want their children to play if they can train around prayer times. As a result, in December I spoke with the academy at Luton Town to see if we could have a prayer room on-site. This would not only mean kids wouldn’t have to rush from the mosque to the football field, but parents can use it, too, and thus watch their children play more. Talks are still at an early stage, but I am confident this will happen and hope other football clubs follow suit.
“The Asian Community Forums are a chance to get up and down the country and discuss such ideas with clubs, County FAs and decision makers, have meaningful dialogue with parents and take on board feedback and ideas. They are also a great opportunity to meet other Asians involved in football or just with a passion for the game.”
To book your place at any of our eight 2020 Asian Community Forums click here.
2020 Asian Community Forums
Forum One: Monday 20 January, Luton Town FC, Kenilworth Road Stadium, Luton LU4 8AW [18:00-21:00]
Forum Two: Wednesday 12 February, Osmani Centre, 58 Underwood Road, London E1 5AW [18:00-21:00]
Forum Three: Thursday 20 February, Walsall FC (1888 Club), Banks's Stadium, Bescot Crescent, Walsall, WS1 4SA [18:00-21:00]
Forum Four: Tuesday 3 March, GNG FC Leicester, Riverside Ground, Leicester, LE3 2FW [18:00-21:00]
Forum Five: Wednesday 11 March, Middlesex FA, Rectory Park, Ruislip Road, UB5 5FA [18:00-21:00]
Forum Six: Thursday 19 March, Bradford City FC, Valley Parade, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 7DY [18:00-21:00]
Forum Seven: Thursday 2 April, Burnley FC, Turf Moor Stadium, Burnley BB10 4BX [18:00-21:00]
Forum Eight: Thursday 16 April, Sheffield United FC, Cherry St, Sheffield S2 4SU [18:00-21:00]
