Wales left-back Neil Taylor was honored as Player of the Year at the Asian Football Awards. The event, celebrating achievements of British Asians in football, also recognized young talent Easah Suliman and non-league striker Gurjit Singh. The awards aim to raise awareness about the low representation of South Asians in professional football, with only seven players in top divisions. Taylor is the most prominent player, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity.
Neil Taylor, a defender for Wales and Swansea City, received the prestigious Player of the Year award at the Asian Football Awards held at Wembley Stadium. This event, now in its third iteration, celebrates the accomplishments of British Asians in the realm of English football. Taylor, who is 26 years old and has a mixed heritage of an English father and an Indian mother, played a significant role in helping Wales qualify for Euro 2016.
In addition, the Young Player award went to Easah Suliman, a 17-year-old defender from Aston Villa of Pakistani descent, who notably captained the England Under-17s team. Furthermore, Gurjit Singh, a 24-year-old striker for Kidderminster Harriers, recognized for his Indian heritage, received the Non-League Player award. The Asian Football Awards, held previously in 2012 and 2013, aims to establish itself as a biennial celebration going forward.
The awards’ organizer, Baljit Rihal, emphasized the need to increase awareness about the underrepresentation of professional football players from South Asian backgrounds. According to the 2011 census, individuals of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi descent constituted 5.3% of the population in England and Wales. However, only seven players from these backgrounds currently hold professional contracts in England’s top four divisions.
Neil Taylor stands out as the most recognized player, with Wolves’ Danny Batth and Mansfield’s Malvind Benning as the only other active players from this demographic in regular first-team play. The ongoing initiatives are aimed at fostering greater inclusion and opportunities for aspiring footballers from South Asian communities in the professional sport.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
