Football Association Deepen Engagement with South Asian Communities

The Football Association (FA) has announced the formation of a dedicated South Asians in Football Working Group, aimed at increasing representation and improving understanding of South Asian communities across all levels of the game.

The initiative is a key component of the ‘BUILD, CONNECT, SUPPORT – South Asians in Football Plan 2025–28’, launched earlier this year, and forms part of the FA’s broader equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, ‘A Game Free From Discrimination 2024–28’.

Strategy Built on Community Engagement

The new working group will operate alongside the FA executive team tasked with delivering the South Asians in Football Plan. Its creation signals a shift from broad diversity commitments to more targeted and measurable action.

By focusing on the specific experiences and challenges faced by South Asian communities, the FA aims to strengthen pathways into football and ensure the sport is more accessible, inclusive and representative.

Diverse Expertise Across Sectors

The group comprises 14 members, selected for their relevant expertise and lived experience. Representatives span a wide range of sectors, including grassroots and elite sport, media, entertainment, academia, public service, and community development, as well as faith and belief leadership.

This intersectional approach ensures that the group can offer practical, community-informed insights that support meaningful progress.

The FA’s decision to bring together voices from both within and outside football reflects a growing recognition that inclusive growth requires collaboration and sustained dialogue. The group will play a pivotal role in advising on strategy, identifying barriers, and helping shape initiatives that reflect the diversity of the football community.

By embedding community expertise into its governance structures, the FA is laying the groundwork for long-term, systemic change.

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