Asian in football

Zesh Rehman

The talent is out there it just needs to be seen. 

Do you want to pursue a career in football?

On loan now from QPR playing for Brighton, when Zesh Rehman originally joined Fulham’s FC he became one of the first British Asians to play in the Premiership. Zesh said playing in the Premiership was “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." 

Zesh started playing football like most kids in the streets with his friends and then played in Saturday and Sunday teams for his School, District and then County which was when he was spotted by Fulham at just the age of 12. Zesh has a positive attitude towards Asian players in football and he believes that although kids need role models, being Asian won’t go against you; “I don't think it's a barrier if you are good enough…I don't feel that  you should need separate leagues because if you¹re good enough then  you'll make it.” And on being a role model himself Zesh is determined to inspirte young Asian players, “Knowing people are looking up to you  makes you more determined to break down negative stereotypes. 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."

So what advice does he offer any young aspiring Asian football player? “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."

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