Annie Zaidi is on course to become the first South Asian Muslim woman in Europe to achieve a UEFA A license in football coaching. She founded the AnnieZ Coaching Foundation to empower young women through a technical skill program. Zaidi aims to increase representation in football for BAME girls, drawing from her own experiences and challenges in a field with limited female participation. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the British Empire Medal.
Annie Zaidi is poised to make history as the first South Asian Muslim woman in Europe to attain the UEFA A license in football coaching. She previously gained recognition as the first Muslim woman to earn a level two coaching badge, or UEFA B license, from the Football Association six years ago.
To support girls’ entry into football, Zaidi established the AnnieZ Coaching Foundation. This initiative offers a 12-week program aimed at equipping young women with essential technical skills and a personal development plan designed for their future in sports.
Zaidi’s journey into football began when opportunities for female players were scarce, especially for those from diverse backgrounds. She aspired to be a professional player amidst a lack of female teams, which motivated her to increase accessibility for young BAME girls in sports.
Her foundation’s mission is to empower, inspire, and encourage girls from black and South Asian backgrounds to pursue their ambitions in football. Zaidi emphasizes that representation matters, as having role models who share similar backgrounds helps young girls feel comfortable and supported in their pursuits.
Zaidi has received numerous accolades, including the British Empire Medal, for her contributions to sports and community empowerment. Her efforts have been recognized at the Sportswomen of the Year Awards, earning her the Helen Rollason Award for inspiration and the Asian Woman of Achievement Award, among others, underscoring her impact in breaking barriers in football and sports.
Original Source: aboutislam.net
