"That’s why we’re working closely with Leeds United."
A Leeds man has set up a football academy that is dedicated to British South Asians.
Atif Din, who grew up playing for Chapeltown Juniors, founded Din Academy to create pathways for South Asian players into the professional game.
The academy has already hosted two successful launch events—one at the West Riding County FA and another at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training ground.
Atif said: “The goal is to create pathways for the South Asian community to get into the professional game.
“That’s why we’re working closely with Leeds United.
“When you look up and down the professional game, you pretty much won’t find any players of South Asian descent. There’s definitely none in the Premier League at this moment in time.”
Din Academy’s event at Thorp Arch drew more than 100 attendees, while the session at West Riding County FA attracted over 200 participants.
Atif added: “The support has been incredible.
“We got invited to West Riding County FA, which is pretty much the home of football for the county.
“The turnout was amazing, and it shows there’s a real hunger for this kind of opportunity in the community.”
The football academy not only focuses on nurturing players but also aims to develop coaches, referees, and football professionals from South Asian backgrounds.
Atif hopes to secure sponsorship and partnerships to support talented young players, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Din Academy is currently based at Dixons Trinity Chapeltown/Thomas Danby, with training sessions taking place every Saturday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Atif said: “We want to inspire the next generation.
“It’s not just about playing; it’s about creating a pathway to the professional game and showing that South Asians can make it in football.”
The lack of British South Asians in professional football is a long-standing issue.
However, efforts are being made to support the community.
The Football Association (FA) has launched its first-ever plan to improve South Asian representation in English football.
‘Build, Connect, Support’ builds on a previous Asian inclusion strategy and is the first plan dedicated to making football more accessible for England’s largest minority ethnic group.
It follows a year of collaboration with key organisations, including the Premier League, EFL, Kick It Out, Football Supporters’ Association, PFA and PGMOL, as well as grassroots and professional football stakeholders.
Running until 2028, the plan is a key part of a wider four-year equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, ‘A Game Free From Discrimination’.
The initiative aims to celebrate the country’s diversity and use football to drive positive change.
Atif hopes Din Academy will change that by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities at every level of the game.
Loading ...