QPR defender, Zesh Rehman
Kick It Out met up with Zesh Rehman, the first British Asian to play in the Premiership, at Fulham FC's 'Search for a star' initiative in South London.
How do you view being the only Asian professional footballer in the Premiership?
I see it as an honour. Ever since I was a kid I've always wanted to be a footballer so to be playing at a Premiership club is like a dream come true.
How did you get into football?
I started playing on the streets like most kids do, and then I played in Saturday and Sunday teams and for my School, District and County which is how I got spotted by Fulham at the age of 12 and I've been with them ever since.
Did you find it difficult as an Asian kid trying to breakthrough?
No, I don't think it's a barrier if you are good enough. It doesn't help that there are no Asian role models - kids need to have someone to aspire to.
Did you have a lot of support to pursue your footballing ambitions?
My parents were very supportive and they made sacrifices to help me by buying all the gear I needed and giving me lifts to and from games and training. As well as encouraging my football they also made sure that I continued with my education and got my GCSEs. My mum used to make a lot of curries but helped me by finding out about mixed diets and carbohydrates.
Although my parents have always been supportive, I do remember one time they weren¹t too pleased with me. My friends and I used to sneak off and play football when we should have been at the mosque my parents caught me out once and I got blasted! But now we look back and laugh about it, although at the time it was no joke.
Have you encountered any racism throughout your career?
I am lucky and at a professional level I haven¹t experienced any racism. I have heard racist comments in the amateur game and in the Sunday leagues.
What's your view on the idea that there should be separate leagues for Asian kids?
I don't agree, I believe the leagues should be mixed. I don't feel that you should need separate leagues because if you¹re good enough then you'll make it.
A report was released last year showing that there are only a handful of Asian players in all the professional academies, does this surprise you?
Wow, that's scary. I thought there would be a lot more Asian players than that. It's quite scary to think that there are so few Asian players in the academies but I do think that once a few players come through then others will follow. I know there is Chopra at Newcastle and Shahed Ahmed at Wycombe who have made it through so Asian players are slowly coming through. Knowing people are looking up to you makes you more determined to breakdown negative stereotypes.
What would you like to see being done to help Asian players breakthrough?
There is a lot being done already with community schemes going into black and Asian communities, but we do need more scouts to get out there and look at the players. The talent is out there it just needs to be seen.
Kick It Out has used the National Anti Racism Week of Action in Football, to raise awareness of Ramadan and other religions and beliefs. Are you religious?
I am a Muslim. I'm not 100% strict, for example, I'm unable to fast during Ramadan as I need to train and play but I'll make up for this in other ways.
What advice would you give to aspiring Asian youngsters looking to get into the professional game?
I would tell them not to neglect their schoolwork. I made sure I did my GCSE's and A levels as you never know what can happen in football and it's important to have something to fall back on. They also need to be prepared to make sacrifices, like any other youngster wanting to make it as a pro, if they really want to make it.
