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 Mani Salim, coach and chairman of Phoenix Juniors / Bradford United.

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

At the time there were no opportunities for junior grassroots football in my area. My own younger brother having to travel to try for teams further afield. After speaking to local parents, I realised there were no options locally and after further discussion with the local community, I realised there was an urgent need for a local football club which understood the cultural requirements of the local football club. This is how Phoenix Juniors was born. The club is now one of the largest representative of players of BAME background in the city if not in Yorkshire. 

What do you enjoy about coaching football? 

Creating lifelong memories for children and giving them an identity they can be proud of. Leaving a legacy for future generations to have opportunities for decades to come. 

What is your best memory of coaching? 

Watching a young girl who suffered anxiety and confidence issues when they joined go on to score their first goal. 

Lifting the West Riding County Cup as the first Asian team to do so was a special feeling. 

What do you want to achieve in coaching football?

I want to continue to create more opportunities for children. Create pathways for them to learn valuable life skills at all levels and age groups of the game. 

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

It sounds controversial but parents are the biggest obstacle to their own children as well as the coach when it comes to coaching kids’ football.

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

There are two people who hugely influenced and have mentored me through my years as a coach/chairman. First one was Ces Ceasar, in my early years he was instrumental in shaping what type of coach I wanted to be. May he rest in peace. 

Second one is Ishy Hussain. Ishy is fountain of knowledge when it comes to football coaching and even just generally about life. Ishy has mentored me over a few years now helping me develop my own philosophy and coaching skills. 

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

A lot of people have said to me they haven’t played the game or don’t know much about football. It’s a big myth that playing football will automatically make you a coach. Ask Gary Neville. “Knowledge and skills can be taught; all you need is commitment and coaching will change your life.”