FA finalises England placements for BAME coaches
Wednesday 3 October 2018 09:01, UK
The FA has finalised its plans to provide placements for BAME coaches across all England teams.
The initiative is designed to 'help solve the challenge of under-representation of BAME coaches', and is part of a three-year strategy to 'lead the way across the game in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion'.
Coaches will be offered placements across all England teams, at all age groups, with participants in either active or observational roles.
As a result, Brighton & Hove Albion first-team coach Paul Nevin will support Gareth Southgate for England's matches against the USA and Croatia next month.
Nevin said: "When I got the call I was absolutely delighted and feel it's a very privileged position.
"I'm aware of the need to give opportunities to the quality BAME coaches out there and I think the FA are leading the way on that.
"Sometimes it's easier to give that exposure to coaches at the younger age groups but to do it at the very highest level in that environment speaks volumes about how serious the FA takes the issues of giving BAME coaches opportunities."
Terry Connor, the former Wolves and Ipswich assistant manager, will link up with Aidy Boothroyd's U21 side for their matches this month.
Sol Campbell will also take his first steps into coaching by working with Boothroyd's team next month.
Paul Elliot, the chief of the FA's Inclusion Advisory Board, said: "The FA now has a clear commitment to giving talented coaches from under-represented groups the chance to work with England teams.
"I have long felt that having more visibility around the national team could only serve to inspire others to follow in their footsteps as well as ensuring these coaches can take their work to another level.
"I think in future we will look back at this moment as a defining one for coaching in this country."
