On Monday, 15th July, Kent FA held its first ever Kent FA Celebrating Diversity In Football Conference in association with South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) for the football workforce across the County at Kent FA.

The aim of the event was to promote a more inclusive and diverse footballing community across the county by empowering and inspiring the present and next generation of diverse coaches, workforce, volunteers, players, and officials across Kent.

The event, hosted by professional sports presenter and broadcaster Jamie Boyce, began with an opening speech which opened the event by welcoming the 20 attendees and explaining. “We are excited by the opportunity that tonight’s event creates, through celebration, collaboration and inspiration to further highlight and strive towards the importance of more diversity within Kent’s Grassroots football community.”

As the event proceeded, Jamie hosted two exceptional panels of special guest panelists across Kent and the football industry. The first panel discussed empowering Asian representation in the professional game through Abdul Habib (U13-18 Regional Scout at Newcastle United FC), Ali Speechly (UEFA B Coach & Podcast Host) and Anwar Uddin MBE (Diversity & Inclusion Manager at The FA) then the second panel of Chipie Sian (Punjab United FC Manager), Jindi Bandwait (First Team & Youth Team Coach at Punjab United FC) discussed promoting Asian inclusion within Kent. Through both guest panels, the event drove awareness, impact, and guidance to those who were in attendance.

Event organiser Harry Mark, Kent FA Inclusion Football Development Officer commented on the success of the event for Kent FA by stating “What an incredible evening we were in attendance for, celebrating the power of diversity in football and listening to our inspirational guests sharing their incredible journeys but also challenges they faced and how hard work and dedication to overcome these obstacles were vital to their success.”

The event is part of a much larger programme of work that the Kent FA are planning, collaborating, and delivering on to support diversity and inclusion in the Kent football community. Through the Kent FA Equality Action Plan (EAP) events like this provide opportunities for all in the game and to further develop and progress.

To find out more information about enhancing diversity and inclusive opportunities at your club, please contact Harry Mark, Kent FA Football Development Officer - Inclusion, at Harry.Mark@KentFA.com