To celebrate South Asian Heritage Month 2024, we are interviewing several referees and coaches from South Asian backgrounds across the grassroots game in West Riding.

Up next is Abid Zaman, Club Chairman/Head Coach at Bradford Central FC...

Tell us about how and why you got involved in coaching football?

Bradford Central FC was set up initially in response to a growing need for a safe and inclusive junior football club in the BD7 area as there was no such facility to play safe football.

The community which we serve is very much a deprived area with high ethnic minorities and refugees. The area suffers from low education, high unemployment, high youth crime and antisocial behaviour. I set up the club to provide for the community running on voluntary contributions, donations, and sponsors rather than asking players to pay subs which allowed us to be fully inclusive.

What do you enjoy about coaching football?

I am passionate about football and always had a keen interest in various sports. I love seeing the passion and commitment in the young players and being able to watch the talent shine on the pitch and create a relaxing inclusive friendly environment where players enjoy playing football and get encouraged to further develop.

What is your best memory of coaching?

I have 2 memories which stand out from the hundreds; taking a team to the national finals in Nottingham and more recently winning the U18 Craven cup which is the highest cup in the league.

What do you want to achieve in coaching football?

Hopefully complete my UEFA B in the next couple of years and having my club and players recognised for their hard work. 

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced in coaching football?

Unfortunately, it is getting hard to get good facilities and as we don’t charge our players due to their circumstances it becomes harder for use to run the club.

Who’s had the biggest influence in your coaching career and why?

I have always taken note on all different coaching and their styles and pick bits out, but one of my best friend former Manchester United scouts said to me: "be creative and learn to pass later on, as you can be the best passer in the world but if you are unable to control the ball, there is no point  in learning to pass."

What advice would you give to people wishing to get involved in coaching football?

Be creative, do a lot of self-learning and most importantly, every player learns at different speed.