The Black and Asian Coaches Association, in partnership with The FA, the PFA and Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, will hold a number of workshops and panel discussions at the home of football on Wednesday 7 October. Lord Herman Ouseley and Gordon Taylor are just two of the speakers.
FA Chairman, Greg Dyke, said: “It is clear that the under-representation of black and Asian coaches and managers is a serious issue and needs to be treated as such.
"I'm delighted Wembley is hosting a meeting relating to such an important topic. The work being done not only by The FA, but right across the game, in forging opportunities to black and Asian coaches is growing steadily and this event is an opportunity to discuss with our partners how we can maintain this momentum and really make a difference."
John Salako on opportunities for black and Asian coaches
The event is the first of two conferences on the subject. The second will be held at St. Georges’ Park on Friday 30 October, the national football centre in Burton Upon Trent, to service those in the Midlands and north of the country. Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend will coordinate proceedings on both days.
Both events will offer practical advice on how coaches can get licensed, detail opportunities within all levels of the coaching structure, as well as a session on mental health and wellbeing. John Salako, Crystal Palace first-team coach, gave his backing to the event when he spoke to FATV last week.
The event comes as English Footballs Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Action Plan, signed up to by all of the game’s stakeholders, continues to forge career pathways for BAME individuals, via initiatives such as the On the Board governance training programme and the Coach Bursary scheme.
