Asian Football Awards 2013

Last month, a number of high-profile guests attended the 2013 launch of the second annual Asian Football Awards (AFA) in a grand ceremony at the Houses of Parliament. The event saw nominations officially open for the awards, which is set to be hosted at Wembley Stadium on 8th October 2013.

The Asian Football Awards primary objective is to create an awareness of the positive efforts made by Asians within the UK football industry. It also aims to engage with organisations and individuals to help increase Asian participation levels in football in the UK. AFA Founder and Operation Black Vote Graduate Baljit Rihal said:

This is an industry awards – we are not just concerned about increasing Asian participation on the football field. Our aim is also to help make the hierarchies of organisations that govern football more reflective of the society within which we live.”

The Westminster launch included a large gathering of prominent Asians involved in the Football industry as well as many up and coming football players.

Paul Uppal, MP for Wolverhampton South West, declared:

I am privileged to be able to support the Asian Football Awards and have sponsored the Parliamentary reception today. The Launch in Parliament has showcased the continued success in all aspects of UK football and I have enjoyed welcoming the role models of today as well as tomorrow. I hope that the Awards highlight the growing importance the Asian community play in the professional game, as well as at grassroots level, and serve as an inspiration for others to get involved.”

The awards in October promise to be a star-studded event with dignitaries from the world of football as well as a number of high-profile celebrities and footballers. With an anticipated audience of over 500, this year’s event will be a fantastic opportunity to witness inspirational Asians in football, first hand. Last year’s event brought together representatives of clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, QPR, Wolves, Charlton, Liverpool and Blackburn, while this year the event is expecting many more organisations to get involved.

Nominations for the 2013 Awards are now open online with the 15 categories aiming to reward and recognise individuals and organisations across the entire football industry. Nominations are open for individuals with South Asian heritage and indeed those dedicated to increasing Asian participation in UK football.

The AFA 2013 judging panel includes representatives from The FA, The PFA, Kick It Out – as well as AFA 2012 award winner BBC Sport presenter Manish Bhasin.

To make a nomination, click here AFA 2013 

Francine Fernandes