Oxfordshire FA kicked-off a brand-new coaching project within the county earlier this month, as we launched our programme focusing on engaging with diverse communities and increasing diversity within our grassroots coaching workforce.

Hosted at Banbury United Football Club, the first workshop welcomed 12 individuals from the local community who were guided through the session by Abdoullah Kheir, The FA’s Coach Development Officer for Diversity and Inclusion for the South West, and local UEFA-B licensed coach, Waheed Ramzan.

All in attendance were able to take part in an introduction to football coaching workshop, entitled ‘Stepping Over the Sidelines’, which was also observed by Lawrence Lok, The FA National Coach Development Lead for Equality and Diversity.

Oxfordshire FA’s project to engage diverse ethnic communities is part of our total commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and the Association’s ambition to increase the diversity of our grassroots football coaching workforce in the county. This is why we’re committed to engaging with individuals from our ethnic communities of all backgrounds in Oxford, Banbury and the wider county.

“We were delighted to kick off this exciting project in Banbury with such a brilliant group, and would like to thank everyone who attended,” said Michael Thurlow, Football Development Manager at Oxfordshire FA. 

“We are really excited to see this project grow throughout the season, and would like to encourage more people aged 16 and above to get involved.”

Want to get involved?

Oxfordshire FA will be hosting the second workshop in our Engaging Diverse Ethnic Communities programme at the start of October.

When: Monday 9 October 2023
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Where: Oxford City Football Club, Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, OX3 0NQ

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Participants are welcome to register and attend both sessions in Banbury and Oxford. If you’re under 18 (aged 16 or 17), you MUST complete this form with your parent/guardian/carer’s permission.

For more information, or any questions relating to the Engaging Diverse Ethnic Communities programme, please contact Michael Thurlow, Football Development Manager at Oxfordshire FA, via michael.thurlow@oxfordshirefa.com