Premier League events support growth of South Asians in football

The development of young South Asians within English football has been boosted by a number of events this summer which form part of the Premier League’s South Asian Action Plan.

The scheme was introduced during the 2021/22 season with the aim of breaking down barriers and helping to create a football pathway for young British South Asians.

This is a long-term strategic initiative to address the under-representation of South Asian players in English football and forms a key part of the League’s ‘No Place for Racism’ action plan, aimed at improving player and career pathways and helping to diversify the workforce within the professional game.

In August, the third annual Emerging Talent Festival saw 220 boys and girls of South Asian origin representing 11 Premier League and EFL clubs compete in a tournament at Loughborough University, giving them a platform to showcase their talent as part of the League’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Premier League director of football Neil Saunders says the move is vital to supporting one of the key commitments in the current ‘No Place for Racism’ action plan.

“South Asian communities have a major role to play in football today and in the future,” Saunders said.

“We know that initiatives like this and youth development are a long-term goal and we know it will take some time to see some of the young players who are exposed here come through our academies.

“The Premier League is committed to improving player pathways and the diversity of its squad and whilst this is just a small step in that initiative, it is something that will hopefully bring a lot of joy to the young people involved.”

The South Asia Action Plan includes analysis and research to better understand what the current barriers to entry are for South Asian players, as well as education sessions on equality, diversity and inclusion within the game.

The Emerging Talent Festival followed the success of the qualifying events, where more than 1,000 young people took part in regional qualifiers involving 11 Premier League and EFL clubs.

One of the qualifying matches took place at West Ham United’s Mark Noble Arena and built on the work the east London club does in its community. Rashid Abba of the West Ham United Foundation believes it is only a matter of time before a big breakthrough is made in the South Asian community.

“The South Asia Premier League action plan includes clubs being proactive and expanding their reach,” Abba said. “I think it’s important that we have that visibility and try to inspire the next generation.”

Another qualifier took place at Burnley, where there is also a strong South Asian presence who now welcome the support.

“I grew up playing football and it wasn’t a problem, it was very rare for us to get funding, especially from a South Asian background,” said Fatima Khan, a coach at Bradford club Alpha United Juniors FC. “So the fact that you have huge, big name clubs in the Premier League who are only inviting South Asians to represent that diversity and to be more inclusive in everything, it’s just huge for us and it (qualifying) has been an incredible opportunity for our kids as well.”

NextGen Tournament

Grassroots support is complemented further up the football development pathway through the Premier League’s NextGen tournament, which involves players from English Academy clubs competing against their counterparts from the Indian Super League and South Africa.

This year’s edition, the fifth, was held in England and won by Stellenbosch FC, but in the past it has been held in Mumbai, providing foreign players with valuable life experience as well as developing their game.

Watch: Premier League NextGen 2024 on YouTube

“The NextGen tournament is part of our long-standing relationship with the Indian Super League and our commitment to contribute to the growth of football in India by supporting the development of players, coaches and referees,” Saunders said.

“West Ham United’s George Earthy was with us in Mumbai in May 2023 and 12 months later he is playing and scoring for West Ham United in the Premier League.

“For the Indian players, it’s a great opportunity to see how they compare to future Premier League players.”