Walsall defender Netan Sansara
18-year-old Walsall defender Netan Sansara has spoken about the lack of Asian role models in the game, and his determination to break through into the first team.
Born and bred in the West Midlands, Netan is a tall left back who through his hard work, footballing talent and dedication to the game has progressed from playing for his local club, Darlaston FC, to signing a full-time contract with Walsall and representing England at Under-18 level.
Despite these achievements, Netan still has a long journey ahead as he has his sights firmly set on playing in the Premiership and becoming the first full Asian England senior International.
Premier League stadiums now have a clear presence of Asians, which has rapidly increased in recent years. However the same cannot be said for the players on the pitch.
Inspiration
Netan is very keen to become an inspiration and a role model figure to Asian youngsters dreaming of a professional contract, rather than more 'traditional' occupations such as medicine and business.
"Its hard. That is something that I cannot deny. Professional football is tough as you have to stay focused on and off the pitch. Being Asian too it was difficult as sometimes I was the only Asian on the team and I found myself alienated from my team mates.
"Racism unfortunately still exists in the game but you have to make sure it does not deter you from achieving your ambitions. I used the comments as ammunition on the field, I let the football do the talking on the pitch and earned respect that way."
Netan is keen to help further the participation of Asians in the game. He believes that the only way forward for Asians wanting to make it at the highest level is to make sure they take part in organised football within affiliated teams, so that scouts will be able to identify them more easily.
Academies
"I think that once we get Asians into academies and into organised leagues, it will be an easier route for them to get scouted. Presently there is a clear lack of Asians within academies, and I have seen only a handful. Within the right structures I think that certainly we will see more Asians within the game as I know that the talent is there."
Netan also regularly visits Asian communities and helps lend advice to Asian kids that are planning a career in the game. He believes that with more professional Asian footballers like him it will be easier for others to enter football.
"There certainly aren't that many role models in the game that Asian kids can identify with or emulate. Hopefully I can become a role model for kids, and I am more than happy to visit the community and give them all the advice they need on the game and how to overcome some of the barriers that exist."
