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

Up next is Akif Waseem, coach at Fairbank United FC.

Tell us about how and why you got involved in coaching football? 
Growing up I was football mad, but apart from my school team, never had the opportunity to play for a team as non were local to us. When the opportunity arose to get involved with Fairbank United, I insisted on having a junior section which helped children focus their energies, and stay away from the anti-social elements that they can easily find themselves drawn to in an inner-city area like ours

What do you enjoy about coaching football? 
Children are like sponges; they absorb the information you give them. Helping players develop and giving them the opportunity to play in a safe fun environment along with helping them create memories they will cherish in later life.

What is your best memory of coaching? 
Having been in coaching for coming on to two decades there are many. One that sticks out is my son’s first goal (he backheeled it!). Another that sticks to mind is a talented young player called Hussain Iqbal, who went on to play for our open age team. I had coached him since he was a 9-year-old, and on his debut for the open age team scored two screamers (the second of which I assisted)

What do you want to achieve in coaching football? 
To allow the children left in my care to learn vital life lessons. On a football field no matter how much talent you have, you must work hard to achieve anything. This is mirrored in life. Aspects like teamwork, communication, leadership are all important lessons that the children need to take on board, but the most important aspect is the need to have fun. If a child can come away from a training session or game with a smile on their face on a regular basis than that is all that’s needed.

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced in coaching football? 
I have been blessed in being able to serve my local community. Through dialogue I have always managed to get across the needs of our football club through to the leagues we have participated in and the County FA.

Who’s had the biggest influence in your coaching career and why? 
My dear friend Shazad Bashir, who has consistently over the past two decades pushed me into roles and responsibilities through his sheer force of nature. There are many young people in Girlington and the wider inner-city area of Bradford who have been impacted our football club, either directly and indirectly. I would not have gone on to have the many experiences within football had it not been for his persistence.

What advice would you give to people wishing to get involved in coaching football? 
Go into coaching for the right reasons. Many of us will never coach a player who will make it to the professional game or go to the very top. Serve your community, aim to be a good role model, and make sure the experience the children have with you is remembered in a positive light.

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