British Asian Exclusion in Football: Two Decades of Calls for Action

British Asian communities have historically been excluded from football, with only a small number of professional players and even fewer at elite levels. This exclusion stems from various factors, including structural inequalities, racial stereotypes, and a lack of opportunities.

While 'all-Asian' leagues and teams have emerged to address discrimination, they have also been criticized for perpetuating segregation and limiting player visibility. The reasons for their persistence include a lack of opportunities in mainstream spaces, covert racism in talent identification, and a perceived lack of desire among British Asian players.

Despite efforts by key stakeholders to promote diversity in football, overt racism and covert practices continue to hinder the inclusion of British Asians. Professional clubs often overlook British Asian environments, contributing to a lack of role models and a sense of discouragement.

To combat British Asian football exclusion, recommendations include enforcing anti-racism measures, improving recruitment practices, establishing more grassroots opportunities, fostering links between British Asian communities and mainstream clubs, increasing the number of qualified British Asian coaches, and organizing short-term events to connect players with recruiters.

• British Asian communities face stereotypes that prioritize education and religion over sports, making football less popular within the community.
• These stereotypes, along with a lack of representation at elite levels of football, perpetuate the exclusion of British Asians from professional football.

• Historically, British Asian communities have been excluded from mainstream football clubs and spaces due to racial discrimination.
• As a response, "all-Asian" leagues and tournaments were created to provide opportunities for British Asian players.
• However, these leagues have been criticized for perpetuating segregation and limiting access to mainstream football structures.

• Recruitment practices in professional football often overlook British Asian players due to covert racism.
• Talent identification systems prioritize predominantly white networks and spaces, ignoring the capabilities of British Asian players.

• Football opportunities are scarce in predominantly British Asian neighborhoods, particularly in northern England.
• This lack of grassroots opportunities contributes to the underrepresentation of British Asians in professional football.

• The lack of British Asian role models in professional football can discourage young British Asians from pursuing football careers.
• Cultural factors such as the emphasis on education and parental expectations can also influence British Asian participation in football.

While overt racism is present in grassroots football environments, covert racism is more challenging to prove and challenge. Recruiters often overlook British Asian football talent due to their own biases and stereotypes. This hidden racism contributes to the exclusion of British Asians from football.

Talent identification systems built on networks of white knowledge have consistently ignored British Asian football spaces. British Asian players face a double standard, having to prove themselves to a greater extent than their non-Asian counterparts.

The absence of opportunities, mentors, and role models within the British Asian community has been identified as a significant contributing factor to their continued underrepresentation in professional football.

A historical lack of role models at the elite level has perpetuated the perception that football is not a viable career path for young British Asians. This lack of visibility has reinforced negative stereotypes that can discourage participation and self-belief.

Moreover, the lack of opportunities at the grassroots level, particularly in predominantly British Asian areas, further hinders the development and progression of talented players. Without accessible training facilities, coaching, and organized leagues, aspiring footballers face barriers to reaching their full potential.

First: Anti-racism should be enforced more vehemently within football, at all levels. At grassroots level, players, managers and fans should be better protected against verbal abuse, i.e. racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.

Second: Racism also exists within recruitment and a biennial equality and diversity workshop would help challenge covert forms. The FA should fund and facilitate an event whereby all relevant academy personnel and members of football in the community programmes are invited. BAME groups would be encouraged to attend this platform as it provides a space for them to network and share their football experiences.

Third: More grassroots opportunities must be established as less teams exist in predominantly British Asian environments, notably in the north.

Fourth: Greater dialogue will increase understanding of the barriers and help facilitate inclusion. Without interaction, it is likely that stereotypical notions of ‘Asianness’ may deter clubs from forming partnerships with British Asian groups.

Fifth: We need to get more coaches from Asian communities qualified and developing their own clubs and own structures.

Sixth: Short-term events do offer benefits and ‘Asian Star’ is a prime example. Although this event arguably needs a rebrand, it brings recruiters to players, a barrier that has plagued British Asian communities for decades.

First: Professional clubs must understand the barriers that British Asian football
communities encounter, accept that racisms have played a fundamental role in the exclusion, and attempt to fully support the inclusion movement, if we are to observe any positive change.

Second: Kick It Out aim to raise awareness of the exclusion and attempt to publicise British Asians in football.

Third: This forum represents a platform whereby experiences can be shared and policies can be discussed with the aim of implementation.

Start by educating grassroots-level recruiters, coaches, and players about the cultural nuances of British Asian communities. This can help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages equal opportunities for all.

Create opportunities for exchange and collaboration by establishing partnerships between British Asian organizations and professional clubs. Encourage dialogue and shared understanding to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.

Develop initiatives that support role models and mentors from within the British Asian community. This can inspire younger generations to pursue football careers, challenge negative perceptions, and build a sense of self-belief.

Provide funding and support for the creation of accessible grassroots football opportunities in areas where British Asian populations are concentrated. Ensure that these programs are tailored to the needs of the community and promote a positive environment for skill development.

Expand talent identification efforts beyond traditional networks and reach out to British Asian communities. Organize scouting events and showcase opportunities specifically aimed at identifying and nurturing talent from these underrepresented groups.

Implement robust measures to combat racism and discrimination within football at all levels. Establish clear reporting mechanisms, provide support for affected individuals, and engage in education and awareness campaigns to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Recognize that addressing the exclusion of British Asians in football requires sustained and collaborative efforts over a long period. Invest in initiatives that focus on creating lasting change, such as supporting community-based coaching programs, developing diverse leadership pipelines, and promoting opportunities for career development in the football industry.