British Asian footballers are massively under-represented in the professional game and many people are asking the question; why is there a lack of British Asian players in the professional game?
Well we’re not pundits or experts here at Asian soccer star, but we do have three years of solid experience trudging along a journey through grassroots to reach a level where we can confidently say that Sobha is ready to join a professional academy.
It was a hard three year journey full of sacrifice, dedication, determination and above all perseverance. We are now at a point where we can say that we have done all that we can and hope that he gets spotted at one of his games; which as we’ve already experienced is wishful thinking due to the stereotyping Asian players face.
Or, we can be proactive and sacrifice a little more, be more dedicated, determined and persistent in reaching our goals. The secret is in keeping on… no matter what obstacles you face.
And this my friends is what I think is the key to the lack of Asian Soccer Stars in the professional game.
Everyone has to go above and beyond what is expected.
Parents have to be realistic about their child’s footballing talent and ability; they don’t have to be like the Beckham’s of this world but do need to have above average ability; they have to be comfortable with the ball and show good technical ability and match awareness. They have to recognise within the child a hunger, desire and determination to make it in the professional football.
If these tell-tale signs are present, this is where the real sacrifice and commitment begins; for parents and the child.
Making do with training once or twice a week and playing matches in the Sunday leagues is nearly not enough. It’s also important to play in mainstream leagues and not just limit yourself to Asian leagues or teams. Children need to integrate and be comfortable with playing with children from different backgrounds, cultures and religions.
You have to seek out and play in the most competitive leagues; engage in training protocols that develop every part of the child’s game, from fitness, speed, agility, recovery, nutrition, technical, tactical and above all, core mental toughness.
To do this you have to seek out the best coaches and methodologies, training at a level above and beyond of those at professional football centres of excellence and academies… and then some more.
Parents have to be willing and able to provide unwavering support, to travel, to make the investment in training or at the very least educate themselves to provide the necessary training. They have to provide the mental and emotional support and network to keep abreast of opportunities to move forward and excel.
Aspiring players have to make a commitment to listen and learn, to put the time in to train and build on there technical ability. They have to listen to their body and give time to recovery and work on their emotional and core mental toughness. Above all they need an immense amount of patience.
It’s said that you can become an expert at anything after spending 10,000 hours at it. If that is the case, there’s no time like the present to make a start.
We at Asian soccer star, believe that part of the reason there is a lack of British Asian players in the professional game is due in part to our own lack of self-belief, lack of family support and the mindset to go above and beyond the norm.
We have the responsibility and the power to change the stereotyping that aspiring Asian soccer stars face by building strong foundations for our talented young children.
