Asian Football Awards launched

Over the past decade, there have been plenty of stories about the lack of Asian representation in football. How can it be that a community which has established itself in Britain in Business, Law, politics and other sectors has so far failed to make a contribution to the beautiful game?

Maybe it's down to the fact that there are individuals and organisations from the Asian community who have made a contribution to football but don't get recognised for it other than the odd story here and there or on blogs such as DesiBallers, which follows the highs and lows of Asians in football.

But things could be about to change with the launch of a new awards ceremony which recognises and celebrates the achievements and contributions of those with South Asian heritage. The Asian Football Awards will be held at the home of football, Wembley Stadium on January 24 2012 and has the support of the Football Association and Kick It Out.

A number of exceptional UK Asians and those from the South Asian Diaspora will be honoured at the first ever awards of its kind. The high profile event is expected to attract an exceptional list of guests to gather, support and celebrate Asians in football. The awards will ensure that those working or investing in the professional game or community sport have the opportunity to receive acclaim for their achievements in developing Asians in Football.

The awards have been co-founded by Imran Hassan and Baljit Rihal, a graduate from OBV's Magistrates Shadowing Scheme.

Rihal said,

“The first Asian Football Awards promises to be a fantastic opportunity to network with influential personnel from the football industry. We are proud to be hosting this event and are sure that Asian participation in UK football will benefit its inception.”

Danny Lynch Head of Communications Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion campaign added,

“Initiatives like The Asian Football Awards encourage greater involvement from groups and individuals that have sometimes been marginalised from the game in the past. Kick It Out are proud supporters of the Asian Football Awards."

To find out more about the Asian Football Awards or to nominate, click here.

Picture: Barnet FC captain Anwar Uddin (right) is the first British Asian to skipper two football league teams