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 Anwar Uddin...

Currently Club: Ebbsfleet United 

Previous Clubs: West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol Rovers, Dagenham & Redbridge & Barnet

Current Role With FA: FA Diversity & Inclusion Manager 

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

I fell in love with football watching World Cup Italia 90, from then on, I was a 9-year-old obsessed with the game and all I did was play. That’s all I wanted to be and wasn’t going to let anything stop me. 

What do you enjoy about your role within the FA?

I feel extremely grateful to still be involved in the game, having been one of very few South Asians who has played, coached and managed in the professional game. With my current role working on the administrative side of the game I want to support as many people as possible to engage & enjoy the game in various ways.  

What is your best memory of playing and working in the FA?

I have been obsessed with Wembley Stadium, having watched my team Tottenham Hotspurs win the FA cup back in 1991. I wanted to one day experience playing there and I did that lifting a trophy which saw the club I captained Dagenham & Redbridge win the league 2 play-off final in 2010. What is now great is that I can call Wembley my office and always enjoy being there

What do you want to achieve in your role?

I want to bring people together through football its as simple as that, football can do magical things so let’s use the game to counteract so of our societal ills

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced while in your current role?

There is lots to do, and outside of the professional game in non-league and grassroots our game is dependant on brilliant volunteers who provide a great foundation for the grassroots game. We need to work together to support those who provide opportunities for our community through football and look at how we can collaboratively develop the game and the people within it. 

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

My father, he showed me what hard work and determination is all about, he came over from Bangladesh alone at the age of 18 and worked 24/7 to provide for me and my family, so everything I have or have done is thanks to him.

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

Embrace the game, develop your network with good people and never listen to anyone that says you can’t do something. As a player for me there were more lows than highs but what I have certainly learned is that to achieve something memorable is not always straight forward, so just aim to be the best version of yourself.