Two wins in the world of soccer

In the white male-dominated world of professional football, it is good to report two rare victories.

The first is the story of Annie Zaidi, who is Youth Engagement Coach at Leicester City Football Club Community Trust. Annie is a Muslim coach with Leicester City Football Club, and the first ever South Asian woman to get a level two coaching certificate from the Football Association. Her story can be seen here.

Annie has been shortlisted in the Sport category for this year's Asian Women of Achievement Award for her work training aspiring footballers and encouraging disadvantaged young people into the sport. Her love of football began as a child, and she started coaching for a Sunday league team. Since then she's been appointed Chair of the Black & Asian Coaches Association (BACA).

She says:

Without my mentor Wallace Hermitt (Co-founder of BACA), I would not have achieved all that I have as he saw potential in me when no one else did. I am honoured to have QPR Director Les Ferdinand and QPR manager Chris Ramsey supporting me with my UEFA B license."

The second is the appointment of the aforementioned Chris Ramsey as head coach (aka manager) of Queens Park Rangers on a three-year contract.

Although the club has been relegated, it has played attractive football since Chris's appointment. Owner Tony Fernandes is intent on rebuilding the club to secure its long-term success, and he has put his faith in Ramsey and also Les Ferdinand, who he appointed Director of Football in February after the exit of Harry Redknapp.

Fernandes has a lot of faith in his new manager: "We - as a board - have been impressed with the professionalism and attention to detail [Chris Ramsey] has demonstrated. He lives and breathes management and coaching and I am sure he will flourish in this role."

We welcome these wins, and wish Annie, Chris and Les success in their careers in soccer.

Paul Hensby