Brentford scout joins forces with FA to launch BAME initiative

An FA-backed Community Development Centre at a Hindu school yards away from Wembley Stadium will increase social cohesion and help tackle the under-representation of Asians in football.

That is the message from Asian Football Award winner Manisha Tailor, who is part of the London FA Inclusion Advisory Group and sits on the Women’s Sport Trust Grants Board.

The FA is keen to boost Black and Minority Ethnic community involvement across the game and unveiled its anti-discrimination plan in January, which is designed to promote inclusion.

And Brentford Academy scout Tailor, who is also a qualified head teacher, is delighted that the FA recognises the project she is running, in conjunction with the Swaminarayan School in Neasden, feeds into that plan.

There is still a huge under-representation of those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds within the game both on and off the pitch.

"There is still a huge under-representation of those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds within the game both on and off the pitch," Tailor said.

"Grassroots and working with schools is very important to me because it is an opportunity to really engage with young people, allowing then to form a love for the game, regardless of their race, religion or gender.

"Running this centre at The Swaminarayan School which holds close links with the local temple is brilliant in helping to target the Asian community within the game.

"It is an honour to have partnered up with the FA who have identified the need to tackle the under-representation of Asians in football through their anti-discrimination plan."

FA inclusion and anti-discrimination officer Danny Lynch said: "This initiative is another positive example of good work being done by Asian role models in football at all levels of the game. Manisha has a great deal to offer and I'm confident the pupils and the school itself will benefit greatly."

Matthew Thomas, PE co-ordinator at the Swaminarayan School, added: “The Swaminarayan Prep School is delighted to work with Manisha Tailor and The FA on the launch of the Community Development Centre.  Schemes such as this and more will increase participation as well as igniting the spark of lifelong learning within sport.”

Tailor also runs a football and education based organisation called Swaggarlicious and has just teamed up with Sport England's This Girl Can Campaign to try and drive participation in sport across the BAME community.