Our Game Too

OGT speaks to qualified referee, Minesh Gupta.Minesh is one of the country's most experienced refs currently Level 4, and South Asian to boot. He is also an FA Developer, an FA Tutor and sits on the National Wing Member for FA Judicial Services.Why would anyone want to be a referee with all the abuse and scrutiny that comes with it?!Minesh answers honestly, highlights the positives of both the role itself and the positive mental health and self-development it can bring as well as explaining more of referees mindsets and processes before urging more people to take up refereeing as without them, there would be no game!Along the way we took the opportunity to ask more about the structure of refereeing in England, typical match day prep and the qualification process to become a referee.Minesh.gupta@btinternet.comhttps://twitter.com/MinGuptaAsians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Chas Khera of The FAChas has been coaching for a long time and on his 'CV' can boast an impressive array of Premier League footballers.He's always been proud of his heritage and whether it's being the only turban wearer in a room of 400 people or it's bringing over and coaching the national teams of India, Pakistan and The Reggae Boyz, Chas has always stood tall and proud.We discuss coaching, quotas and much more.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What a season it has been for Asians in football.We are joined by the legend that Is Anwar Uddin and we discuss the highs and lows (but where they though?!) of the 2020/2021 season where we discuss amongst other things:Yan Dhanda getting to WembleyArjan Raikhy MotM FA Youth Cup Final v LiverpoolOtis Khan SF of Play OffPurewal v Purewal FA VaseSameron Dool's Connah Quay Nomads won Welsh Premier LeagueSam Kerr – Chelsea won WSL, Women's League Cup & got to CL final and she won golden bootSM BoycottHamza Choudhury FA Cup WinnerRiteesh Mishra CAFC Assistant ManagerHamza Choudhury launching book incl Asian heritageBhups and Sunny Gill officiating Championship game Zidane Iqbal signing pro at Man UBreak in Prem game to allow Ramadan fast breaksRosie Kmita hatrick and she went on to win Watford Player of SeasonOtis Khan in EFL Trophy FinalRicky Hill becomes first Asian heritage England player!Riteesh named Women's Championship Manager of the mOnthDilan Markanday in Spurs' Europa League squadAqsa Mushtaq scores first goal for RomaAIMS InitiativeYan Dhanda faces racist abuse onlineApna England group of fans formed (ish) who went on to have a call with Gareth SouthgateChorley FC in 4th round of FA Cup with Youth coach Irfan KawriMal Benning's 300th appearanceMica Richards doc inc Sporting BengalArjan Raikhy – Villa v Liverpool FA Cup 3rd roundJey Siva – Canvey Island captain in FA Cup 2nd round live ont BT SportGreg Clarke comments!Amrit Bansal McNulty NI debutDinesh Gillela not afraid to speak outGhayas ZahidBala DeviBaskehir's players walking off pitch v PSGSky Sports launching Asians in Football pageAsians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Coach Yas of the phenomenally successful Coaches Network podcast.Right now, Coach Yas is an A licence coach, a coach educator, a podcaster and an entrepreneur.He's interviewed amongst others NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal and Premiership footballers including Sol Campbell, Jason Lee and Jack Wilshere.But coaching is his passion and has brought him not only to where he is now, but more importantly on a journey out of the clutches of crime to being a father and a husband as well as his coaching.Fasicnating interview with someone who is really invested in getting deep into coaching.Twitter - @thecoachesnetIG - @thecoachesnetworkwww.thecoachesnetwork.co.ukAsians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to the legend that is Rashid Abba of West Ham.Rashid first got involved with professional football in the 90's with Leicester City starting the very first Asian initiatives and he continues that work today at West Ham.His longevity in the pro game is astonishing in itself whilst he has always been a passionate advocate for Asians in football.His secret? Constantly adapting and looking both back to recognise and learn from past mistakes and being aware of the direction football is going so that he and the many coaches under his wingare always current in thinking and methodology.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Imrul Gazi for part 2 of our interview concentrating this time on Sporting Bengal and it's relationship with the wider football community.At the time of recording, Sporting along with Sporting Khalsa played at Step 5 of the football pyramid and were the highest placed teams of Asian origin.It has been a difficult journey to this point and the highs have been punctuated by several lows including Imrul leading his team off the pitch mid-game due to racism.We discuss that and the response from the football authorities.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Imrul Gazi, manager of Sporting Bengal.A northerner, Imrul has been living in London for over a decade and has been involved in Tower Hamlets football for that whole period.Tower Hamlets presents a conundrum. It is the definition of a football hot-bed. Nearly 50 Sunday League teams, the area is known for having the highest density of folk of Bangladeshi origin and we know they play football, as a percentage, more than any other ethnicity in the UK.Anwar Uddin is from Tower Hamlets. But where are the rest? We were supposed to talk about Imrul and Sporting Bengal who play in step 5 of the football pyramid but instead the conversation turned into a history of Tower Hamlets football over the last 30 years and a dive into the issues, both internal and external that have prevented the are from producing more players in the English professional game. Can anything be done to get the area to all pull towards the same goal? Do we even know what the goal is?Another fascinating conversation, this will be part 1 of 2 with @ImrulGazi.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Rupa Ghelani who was an inspiration behind the creation of this very podcast!A native Manc, Rupa is a Manchester United season ticket holder and she has worked in the club for the Social Media team and more recently, the club museum.However, it was whilst she was at university and finishing off her Masters that she started looking into the question of why there are so few Asian footballers.As part of her final project, she created a video with an impressive amount of research and contacts tackling the problem of lack of Asians in football.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdbNaw7ZVGI&t=161s&ab_channel=rupaghelaniShe's now been inspired to start coaching and will be setting up a Manchester United Asians fan group.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Riz Rehman of The PFA who has recently launched the Asian Inclusion Mentoring Scheme (AIMS).Riz Rehman is a former professional footballer who played for Brentford FC. After leaving the game, Riz gained a First-Class degree in Sports Science from Kingston University and embarked on his coaching qualifications with the PFA, currently holding a UEFA B License.Riz is also qualified to work in the post-16 sector and is trained in Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support. He is part of the Education Department at the PFA and works on the Unionlearn 'Achievement Through Sport' project that extends the learning, training and educational provision for its members. Furthermore, Riz works closely with several football clubs and their community trusts supporting the acquisition of skills for employment and education at all levels, while promoting inclusion, equality and community cohesion with a targeted approach to those learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. Riz is currently Chair of the Surrey FA's ‘Inclusion Advisory Group', a director at the Zesh Rehman Foundation https://www.zr-foundation.org/ and on the Advisory Group for the Premier Leagues flagship ‘Elite Coach Apprenticeship Scheme' .https://twitter.com/RizRrehmanAsians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Shin Aujla.Shin is a busy bee. He works for Albion Foundation, leads Apna Albion and is an elected member of the FSA's council.In this fascinating and wide ranging interview we discuss a wide range of topics.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Permi Jhooti who was the original inspiration behind Bend It Like Beckham!We speak about growing up in an era when women's football wasn't respected and her almost accidental foray into professional football.This conversation is about themes and its fascinating listening to Permi ruminate on her life and the events that shaped her, including facing racism from within the changing room at Millwall and her thoughts on the perpetrator.Now living in Switzerland, you can find Permi on insta @permijhooti and her website is permijhooti.comAsians in football... we're getting there.Photo credit: Oliver LookMusic:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Kevin Yusuf Coleman, currently head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion of Brentford FC (@kevincoleman2 on Twitter).He's been doing this a long time. And by 'this', I mean working to help minority communities to be involved in sporting organisations.His career has encompassed the LTA and Kick It Out before Brentford FC and their bold and ambitious goal of become the most inclusive club in the country.Most famously, Kevin spent several years at The FA and launched both the previous and current Asian Inclusion plan.One of our most enjoyable conversations with someone who we consider both a friend and an ally.Kevin learns as he goes along and each role builds upon the previous.Brentford are lucky to have him!Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Abdul 'Butch' Fazal, The FA's Coach Inclusion and Diversity Manager.Butch has been involved in football his whole life and from all aspects, having supported, played and set up clubs. In the past he has also been a critic of the system and was chair of National Asians in Football Forum and if you dig around, you can find old clips of him on YouTube!Now he's on the other side with The FA. Find out what he brings to them and how he has developed his 'rules of engagement'.Passionate about increasing BAME representation at all levels and helping England to win the next World Cup, this is a fascinating and illuminating interview with someone who is right in the mix when it comes to helping more Asians into the pro game.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Jas Batt of the Birmingham FA.First we had to discuss Social Media and online abuse in the wake of Yan Dhanda, FB and troll in the last week or so before we move onto Jas.Jas started at the bottom and worked his way up.Along the way he has got involved with some of England's various teams of those with disabilities, The FA and now Premier League clubs too. And there is more to come!Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A lot has happened that concerns Asians in football this week and that is discussed first by Apu and Zee.Then, OGT speaks to Rachel Pavlou, National Women's Football Manager at The FA who she has been with for 22 years!In that time Rachel has worked on the Asian Inclusion Strategy which we discuss as well as being central to lots of female specific initiatives.Rachel explains why its important for women to be given equal opportunities in football and she speaks with passion about the great people working really hard to ensure that the national game really is, everybody's game.Rachel's email address is womens.football@thefa.com.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Dr Stefan Lawrence of Newman University.You'll probably recognise him if you look him up. Not only is he featured on the video on our home page around Asians in football, he is frequently in demand by the BBC and Sky whenever they need a soundbite.Stefan brings a unique sociological perspective based on years of study to our conundrum around the lack of Asians in football.https://twitter.com/StefanoLawrenceAlso we discuss online hate, potential January moves for Asian pros and some of the articles, good and bad that have made it to the mainstream recently.https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/under-23s-news/u23s-in-profile-dillon-de-silva/https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-academy-layth-gulzar-british-south-asians-football-850952And the terrible: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rn7h Firstly there is a presenter who knows nothing about the subject and he asks predominantly leading questions trying to confirm his biases and they promoted it with Portsmouth's Dinesh Gillela … just one problem, he actually plays for Bournemouth!Asians in football... we're getting there (no thanks to the BBC!)Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Arun Chaudhuri about Indian football who is an expert writer and commentator.He's been involved in setting up the ISL and was the initiator of Manchester City Group's involvement with Mumbai City FC.The common narrative is that India is football mad and there is no room for other sports. But is this true? For first generation immigrants, was football truly an alien concept?We learn some new and surprising info about football in India, including the world's 3rd oldest football competition and how widespread football really is in India.Fascinating conversation that turns on it's head many of the stereotypes we in the west tend to have about India and it's relationship to the world's game.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks with Sanny Rudravajhala.What would you do if the football club that you have supported your entire life no longer exists?When it comes to the story of Bury FC and the phoenix club, Bury AFC, even that question is far from straightforward.Great conversation with Sanny where he tells us about starting a new sports journalism career in his 30s which is strange enough, but also in the midst of a global pandemic!Sanny first came across our radar as he was involved in the excellent Out Of Our League podcast which told the story (and many fascinating tangents) of the (almost) demise of Bury FC and the sometimes acrimonious creation of Bury AFC and along the way delves into the psyche of being a football fan, life in the lower echelons of the football pyramid and lessons that can be learnt to prevent this happening again.On Twitter Sanny can be found at @SannyR1985.The brilliant Out of Our League is a BBC Sounds podcast.We'd be humbled if you can like, share and perhaps even leave us a review.Asians in football. We're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Riaz Khan, author of Khan, Memoirs of an Asian Casual.Now a university lecturer and activist, Riaz had a more colourful past.The 70's and 80's were a dark time for football in many respects. Hooliganism has since been glamorised by the cinema but there are many books that can give you a real insight into the times.Cass Penant and Barrington Patterson are now well known outside of their 'firms'.In and amongst all of this, Asians were there. On one side you had the communities and shops, often found in and around football clubs and they had an uneasy relationship with football fans which has led to many of that generation shying away from supporting their local team, either in person or at all.Less well known is the story of Asians who joined in and participated in this 'culture'.Riaz's book gives a voice to many of those. He tells his story and it is interspersed with reminisces and anecdotes of many other 'hooligans' and 'casuals', many of them black and surprisingly, Asian too.Follow Riaz on Twitter @riazkhanlc and on Facebook'Memoirs' has been turned into an award winning play and look out, there are some more exciting projects to come from Riaz.Asians in football... we're getting there... or perhaps we've always been here...Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Terry SinghHe's coached all over the world and was prominent in bringing the modern game to China.Terry has also been involved in getting Asians into football since the 90s and has his own mention in Jas Bains' seminal work, Corner Flags and Corner Shops.In fact, he was once regarded as one of the 100 most influential people in football.He's still going strong today, fighting the good fight.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Anwar Uddin... for a bit longer!How he started his coaching badges much earlier than you would expect and still managed to get into management too early.Anwar does some fantastic work for The FSA – Football Supporters Association and his energy and passion shine through.How does he find the time and the energy? Listen in to find out.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT meet it's hero, Anwar Uddin.Anwar had a great playing career and in part one we hear some fascinating stories of getting into the game and playing with some of the greatest English players of a generation and career choices and sliding doors moments.Throughout, his enthusiasm for the game and positive outlook shine through.He's now one of the most prominent Asians in football and doesn't shy away from any kind of responsibility and his head is well above the proverbial parapet.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT #asiansinfootball speaks with Coach Ruudy, first team coach at Billericay Town FCIf ever there's an example of a go getter, it's Ruudy.He's been involved with football his whole life and once you hear his energy and enthusiasm, it won't surprise you to hear any of the coaching jobs he talked himself into.His views are forthright and we didn't always agree but still one of the most enjoyable conversations that we've had.Oh, and Keval turned up late!Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-naraina

OGT tries a different tack today.There is still racism in the game and there are still prejudices, be they overt or subconscious.On the coaching, administrative and executive front, black people still face huge challenges and there will be many uphill struggles to come.On the playing front however, black players are ubiquitous. It's stranger to see a professional team without representation and they are now mainstays of the national team.But, that journey has been a long and arduous one.What can Asians learn from the black experience? This is a huge topic and could easily encompass podcasts, TV shows and books of it's own.We have to start somewhere though. So for this episode, we speak first to Bill Hern who alongside David Gleave has written the amazing 'Football's Black Pioneers'. They have researched extensively the first black footballer at each of the 92 league clubs and the stories they have to tell are fascinating.We then discuss one of the highest profile black faces in sport journalism, now assistant editor of The Daily Mirror and frequent TV and radio presenter, Darren Lewis.Finally, one of the offshoots of the conversation with Bill was the idea of a statue for the first professional Asian who debuted in 1895 and if you want to know more, listen in! 2020 has been a strange year for statues and we're joined by Matt Tiller of the Jack Leslie Campaign to tell Jack's stories and provide us with some pointers!Asians in football... we're getting there.Jack Leslie illustration by Mayflower D7Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speak to a real life football agent and it turns out that he's not the bad guy!He deals with top clubs and players from all around the world and he got to his position without the contacts or nepotism the industry is infamous for.Find out how he got here and who the next big Asian footballer will be.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Trishan Patel who amongst other footballing things, is Assistant Manager at non-league Berkhamsted FC.Football has been his life and his passion has taken him to America, India and even to his beloved Liverpool!Follow him on Instagram @trishanpatelcoaching or Twitter @trishancoachAsians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Dr Dan Kilvington, lecturer, author and podcaster.He's been studying Asian exclusion from football for a very long time.And yes, he does use the word exclusion deliberately.Fascinating conversation and Dan's passion, eloquence and deep understanding of race and discrimination make this our best episode yet.Asians in football... we're getting there.

OGT speaks to Raj Athwal. He's held senior commercial positions in some of Britain's largest football clubs including Watford, Coventry during their Premier League years and one of the very biggest, Rangers FC.As with anyone entering their 4th decade in an specific industry, Raj is hugely knowledgeable, he has some great stories and most importantly, is one of the nicest people that you will ever meet.We enjoyed the conversation so much, that as an added bonus we've include an 'extra-time' and some of the recording before we officially started the show is included at the end of the episode.One final note, I still can't remember the pub we discuss in 'extra-time'. I now think it may be the Duke of Edinburgh, whereas some friends think it may be The Wagon and Wheels!

OGT speaks to Sanjay Bhandari, Chair of Kick It Out. One of the most prominent Asians in football (unfortunately) we hear about his circuitous journey and how Kick It Out are much more proactive than people realise and Asians in football is definitely on their agenda and moving beyond t-shirts.

OGT welcomes Zee from @desiballers the final musketeer!We then interview Yahyah of Blackburn Ladies who has studied football at University and has thought deeper than most as to the reasons why there are so few professional Asians in the game.Asians in football... we're getting there.

OGT speaks to Sanjiv Arora formerly of ITV Sport, BEIN Sport and Fifa.Great anecdotes of his time at football's governing body and his grand plan to get Asians into the game at the highest levels.He was in the hall when THAT decision was made.Asians in football... we're getting there.

OGT speaks to Qasim Akhtar of Bradford City Community Trust about the efforts of the football club to engage with the local community, how tragedy has improved community relations and equal opportunities 'oop north!

Join us and Manisha Tailor as we explore her remarkable journey from the verge of being a headmaster to academy coach at QPR.

OGT speaks to Sunny Luthra, father of Crystal Palace professional, Rohan..We discuss his son's journey to pro, academic and familial sacrifices that had to be made and how many other Asians are in 'the system'.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Dal Darroch from The FA.We discuss his work and football journey, the plans of The FA and he explains their plan to increase Asian participation in football.Asians in football... plans are in place!Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

An introduction to Our Game Too, celebrating Asians in football and discussing the reasons why there aren't more.

OGT speaks to Sporting Equals CEO Arun Kang.Sporting Equals are a charity set up originally by Sport England and the Commission for Racial Equality to increase participation and involvement of ethnically diverse communities which they have done by engaging with both communities themselves and the governing bodies of sports.Arun has been working in equality and inclusion for much of his working life and even did his MA in Promoting Equality and Managing Diversity!We discuss his upbringing and how annd why he places so much importance on sport (“health is wealth”) and also discover that growing up he was besties with a certain Gareth Southgate!In a wide ranging interview recorded during and specially for South Asian Heritage Month, we hear about lots of successes in all sports including football.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

OGT speaks to Chipie Sian manger of Gravesend's Punjab United FC.What do you do if you can't get the commitment of your Sunday League players? Why set up a semi-pro team of course!That's exactly what Chipie did and it's testament to his hard work that Punjab United are currently plying their trade at step 5 of the football pyramid – 5 promotions away from the EFL!We hear about their battles to be accepted, even calling upon the formidable Priti Patel along the way!Chipie also talks about his pride in running an Asian team that is giving Asian youngsters opportunities and fast becoming integral in the community.Lastly we talk about the Football Festival on July 3rd which will feature the 4 highest Asian teams in the football pyramid.Asians in football... we're getting there.Music:Naraina by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4112-narainaLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/