PFA reports consecutive annual growth in the number of South Asian professional athletes

The Rise of South Asian Men’s Professional Footballers in England and Wales

According to the latest figures from the Professional Footballers’ Association, the number of South Asian men’s professional footballers in England and Wales has seen a significant increase for the second consecutive year.

This season, there are 22 professional players with South Asian heritage aged 17 or over competing in England’s top four leagues. This represents a remarkable 29% rise compared to last season’s 17 players. In the inaugural year of data recording by PFA (2021-22), there were only 16 such players.

“The data is encouraging,” said Riz Rehman, PFA player inclusion executive. “The figures reflect a growing momentum for South Asian players who are seeking opportunities within the game.”

PFA launched its Asian Inclusion Mentoring Scheme (AIMS) back in 2021 as an initiative aimed at increasing representation of Asians in football. Through workshops, creating support networks for Asian footballers, and engaging with clubs regarding cultural barriers, AIMS strives to provide pathways for aspiring talents.

A Positive Shift: Breaking Stereotypes through Numbers

Despite these positive developments, it is important to note that overall representation of South Asian professional players remains relatively low across English and Welsh football leagues.

In fact, less than 1% out of approximately 5,000 professional footballers in the UK have South Asian heritage. This statistic contrasts with Census 2021 data revealing that individuals identifying as either Asian British or any other form of British-Asian make up around 9.3% of United Kingdom’s total population.

PFA’s Rehman emphasized the importance of changing the narrative surrounding Asian players in football. “We wanted to shift the focus from a negative perspective to highlighting their achievements in the game,” she said. By avoiding solely fixating on numbers, initiatives like AIMS are working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for these players.

Building Strong Support Networks

PFA has been dedicated to establishing support networks for young Asian footballers through various mentorship programs. The involvement of experienced professionals such as Danny Batth from Norwich City and Malvind Benning from Shrewsbury Town provides valuable guidance and inspiration.

Sai Sachdev, an U19 international player representing Sheffield United and England, shared her positive experience with PFA’s AIMS program. She expressed gratitude for their interest in her journey, including spending time with her family at the training ground: “I’ve built friendships with other players and attended AIMS events, which have given me a good insight into different pathways within the industry.”

Celebrating Diversity: Football as a Uniting Force

Football is considered one of the most popular sports globally. It encompasses not only physical prowess but also connects people irrespective of their cultural backgrounds or ethnicities.

The increasing representation of South Asian men’s professional footballers highlights progress toward fostering inclusivity within England and Wales’ footballing landscape. These aspiring athletes serve as role models for future generations while breaking stereotypes associated with racial diversity in sport.