Oxfordshire FA was delighted to welcome individuals representing communities across Oxford to an Introduction to Football Coaching Workshop, held at The Oxford Academy School on Thursday 18 October.

The County FA, East Oxford United and The Diversity Football League worked in partnership to organise the workshop, which saw 11 individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups from Oxford attend.

Delivered by Waheed Ramzan (recent Oxfordshire UEFA B Graduate) and supported by Mark Haining (The FA), the workshop provided attendees with the opportunity to enjoy a taster of football coaching. The aim was to not only up-skill individuals, but to also inspire them to take up a coaching role in the future. 

As part of Oxfordshire FA’s Inclusion & Diversity work over the next three years, the Association have committed to increasing the number of qualified coaches from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. 

Michael Thurlow, Football Development Manager at Oxfordshire FA, said: “We are committed to ensuring the football workforce in Oxfordshire is diverse and reflective of the population. We are delighted to be working with East Oxford United and The Diversity Football League to support our work in this area and provide opportunities to individuals from BAME communities in Oxford to get involved in coaching.”

Oxfordshire FA has plans to provide those committed individuals that attended the workshop with an opportunity to undertake their FA Level 1 in Coaching Football qualification in 2019. These coaches will be signposted to support local football clubs and community projects such as the new Diversity Football League in Oxford.

Hassan Elmi, from East Oxford United and The Diversity Football League, added: “The workshop had great outcomes, providing an opportunity for individuals from diverse communities in Oxford to experience a coaching workshop for the first time. We are looking forward and excited to work closely with the County FA moving forward to provide further opportunities for communities in Oxford.”

For more information, or to get involved, please contact Michael Thurlow, Football Development Manager, via development@oxfordshirefa.com