46
Business
www.asianexpress.co.uk
October 2013 - 3rd Edition
On the ball
“The Asian build is not that of a footballer...it may well be Asian ingredients in food, or the nutrition they intake, [but it is] not ideal for building up a physical frame” (the then Sheffield United manager Dave Basset, BBC TV 1995). The quote above sparked a report published in 1996 by Jas Bains and Raj Patel titled ‘Asians Can’t Play Football’ which was seen as an important breakthrough in reflecting both the frustrations and the aspirations of a section of the British community that seemed to be largely alienated by a sport they were so passionate about. In 2001 the Census put the percentage of Asians (Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi) at 4% of the total population and in 2011 that figure rose to 5.5%. If we roll back to 1996 it was estimated the figure of young Asian players con¬nected to English professional clubs to be a tiny 0.2%, but by late 2004 it had barely improved, rising only to 0.8% in Academies at Premier League Clubs. When it comes to British Asians playing with any degree of regularity there is one in the Premier League (Swansea City defender Neil Taylor), one in the Championship (Blackpool forward Michael Chopra) and one in the lower divisions (Wolves defender Danny Batth).
Please contact Luke Patel on 0113 227 9316 or by email at LPatel@LawBlacks.com
There are another five players on professional contracts, only one of whom, Walsall’s Malvind Benning, has made a first-team appearance, and three more on scholar terms. That is a mere 11 in total. It is clear to see that there is a huge disparity between the total number of Asians who are resident in the UK and the number that are breaking through the football ranks. As far back as 1991 a Manchester University survey found that young Asian males had amongst the highest rates of participation in football of any ethnic grouping. 60% of Bangladeshi, 43.1% of Pakistanis and 36.5% of Indians boys played football. The same survey found that 47% of young ‘white caucasian’ boys played regularly. So what are the obstacles in the way for the British Asians to break into the ranks of the football leagues? We have all heard the reasons why Asians don’t make it; Asian parents want their kids to be doctors; Asian kids are too weak; Asians prefer cricket; the Asian diet is unsuitable for a professional sportsman. If we look back over history we can see that times can change. The cultural landscape of British football has changed dramatically for Black players in the game. Forty years ago there were hardly any Black players in the game, now many Premiership squads could field a starting XI of Black players. So what needs to change for Asian players to break through the ranks and establish themselves as Premiership players? Zesh Rehman, who made 21 Premier League appearances for Fulham between 2004 and 2006, believes that British Asians need to come out of their comfort zone and play in competitive leagues with players from other backgrounds; “It can be said though that Asians don't help themselves by playing in Asian-only leagues. I can understand the reasons as to why they were set up but the Football Association should promote mixed leagues rather than communities setting up their own teams for their own people.” We at Blacks have a specialist Sports Law Department dealing with all aspects of advising sports professionals and organisations.
Degree Plans? If you, or your son or daughter, are thinking of starting a degree course in September 2014 then the submission date, of 15th January, for applications to UCAS is looming. With hundreds of institutions providing thousands of courses working out which course, and where, to study can be a daunting task. The following factors should all be kept in mind when making a decision: • Do you have a particular career in mind? If so is there a requirement for a certain type of degree course? • How do you want to study? It is possible to study on both a full and part time basis and combine work/family commitments with education. Many institutions will also help you gain work placements giving you an edge in the job market when you graduate. • Entry requirements – Do you have, or are you predicted, the right grades for the course you are considering? Also remember that entry requirements for mature students tend to be more flexible, with factors other than purely academic grades being taken into consideration. • Course content – Will your chosen institution allow you to study the modules you are interested in, or combine your degree with other subjects? • Cost – The cost of studying at different
institutions can vary quite significantly. This does not mean that the quality of degrees also varies, therefore take a careful look at what you will be paying. An increasing number of students are choosing to study closer to home in order to combat the financial costs of living away. The Bradford College University Centre, which is home to over 4,000 students, has been offering university level courses for over 30 years. There are over 150 full time and part time degree level courses to choose from, including foundation degrees. Bradford College is the largest provider of Higher Education in the UK – offering both Bachelors and Masters Degrees – outside the university sector. The College has a strong ethos and students are supported every step of the way. Not only does it provide a safe and secure environment, it also offers personal help to those looking to start a degree course by providing financial guidance and advice about fees. Excellent academic standards and support mean that Bradford College University Centre’s students are some of the most successful in academic study and employment in Yorkshire and surrounding regions.
Bradford College University Centre offers degrees in • Public Services & Sport • Law • Business & Management • Arts & Media • Film • Computing • Construction • Early Years • Engineering • Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy • Hospitality & Travel Management • Ophthalmic Dispensing • Social & Community Practice • Teacher Education For further information please visit www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk or call 01274 433333. All degrees are validated by Teeside University.