Black & Ethnic Minority Coaches - What Future In Football

Emdad Rahman

Friday 30th March will see the David Beckham Academy host a discussion by Black and Ethnic Minority coaches pertaining to issues relating to their involvement in the game. The day is being put on as part of the celebrations for the bicentennial of the abolition of slavery and is free but you must register through contacting Zakir Issap at Kick It Out.

The Martin Shaw King Trust (MSKT), and Kick It Out, football’s anti- racism group are the main organisers of the days events, which will look at the issues faced by those from a minority background aspiring to work as grassroots or professional coaches.

Discussion points during the day will be based on themes such as - How the lack of BME coaches in the professional game will affect the aspirations of BME communities; Career pathways for young people; Opportunities in County FAs; Coaching at the grassroots; Coaching in the professional game.

Speakers will include FA National Youth Coach, Noel Blake, former Arsenal midfielder and now PFA coach Paul Davis, Tottenham Hotspur Academy coach Chris Ramsey, and FA consultant Brendon Batson.

A series of practical demonstrations have been organised for the afternoon.

Dr Colin King from the MSKT commented: “The under representation of black and ethnic minority managers and coaches in the professional game has been well documented. It is vital that we ensure that this is addressed with action.

“There is no shortage of interest from ethnic minorities in becoming a coach, but there are some serious concerns about what opportunities there are for them to climb the ladder in the profession.”

Piara Powar, Director of Kick It Out, added: “In bringing together aspiring ethnic minority coaches from both the grassroots and the professional game we are facilitating an important networking opportunity.

“The issues these coaches face need to be discussed and understood, to be addressed. We hope that the day helps to go someway in encouraging positive change and opening up opportunities in coaching.”

The event will attract a range of participants including youth leaders, teachers, coaches and coaching mentors.

www.kickitout.org.uk