Women and Girls are getting more and more involved in football.
Football Coach, Davinder Kaur Khangura, a Primary School Teacher at Giles Junior School in Stevenage let us know her thoughts on Asian female paticipation in the game.
How do you view being one of very few Asian females coaching football?
I am not surprised at being one of the very few Asian female coaches. Most girls within my generation were not encouraged by parents, to participate in sports. They were not guided or directed, therefore experiencing sports was rare. I am pleased to see the increase in Asian girls playing football and having a passion for this sport. I have now observed parents encouraging their daughter along with sons. I am sure the next generation will be prosperous with Asian female coaches. I am optimistic about the future.
How did you get into football coaching?
I was brought up in a sporting family; I often watched my brother play football on the weekends. I developed a passion for the sport and often had a kick about with my brother. When completing my PGCE (Teaching Qualification) I undertook several sports course with my brother's advice. Later with his guidance I completed my Level 1 qualification in Football.
Did you find it difficult as an Asian female trying to get into football coaching?
No, not on the contrary I was encouraged and supported by Colleagues at School and other qualified coaches. There is a lack of female football coaches in general. I actually found no difference in gaining my qualification.
Did you have a lot of support to pursue your football coaching ambitions?
Yes indeed, my family was highly supportive. I found that I was able to make more progression within my career and thus take on responsibilities such as being the Primary Link Teacher in Stevenage's Sports Partnership.
Have you encountered any stereotyping or racism throughout through your coaching?
No, I have only experienced positive and encouraging support
What's your view on the idea that Asian girls can't play football?
It's a view without facts and evidence; I have seen girls that can play football and pretty well. However these girls need support and guidance in the correct direction. They need more role models to breakdown such stereotypes and cultural boundaries.
A report was released last year showing that there are only a handful of South Asians Females in football coaching, does this surprise you?
No, this is no surprise; few girls were encouraged when I was younger.
What would you like to see being done to help more Asian girls play football?
Firstly, I would like to see more parents and worship leaders encouraging girls to play football. There needs to be a link with parents and schools, both need to be positive and supporting the girls. When this link is established, teachers and coaches can then take the girls further in establishing a football profession.
Teachers and coaches can not work alone; parents are key to development within this area.
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 Sikh and come from a traditional family, my beliefs encourage and support my life choices; they do not prohibit me in any other.
What advice would your give to aspiring Asian Females looking to get into football coaching?
Keep focused on the positive outcomes, stereotypes are unwritten rules of society without purpose. I have worked in Bradford and Hertfordshire, two very different areas. I have not experienced racism or stereotypes when coaching.
