Annie Zaidi is on track to become the first South Asian Muslim woman in Europe to earn a UEFA A coaching license. She founded the AnnieZ Coaching Foundation, which empowers young women to pursue football through a 12-week program focusing on technical skills. Zaidi aims to inspire girls from diverse backgrounds to engage with the sport, overcoming cultural barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Annie Zaidi is poised to become the first South Asian Muslim woman in Europe to achieve her UEFA A license in football coaching. She has established the AnnieZ Coaching Foundation, providing young women with a structured pathway into a football career. The foundation’s 12-week program focuses on cultivating long-term technical skills for aspiring female players.
Zaidi made history six years ago by being the first Muslim woman to acquire the UEFA B license from the Football Association. During an interview with Leicester Mercury, she expressed, “It takes a long time, especially when you’re not from a football background or family… I wanted to do it because I’m a good coach, I do it with pride and integrity.”
Facing challenges related to her cultural background, Zaidi revealed her determination, stating, “There have been moments of doubts, questions and thinking that if I wasn’t South Asian, maybe I would have got it easier… coaching different teams till 10pm at night…has all been to get to this moment, and I can’t quit now.”
Her mission is to assist young BAME women and girls in accessing football, particularly during a time when women’s teams were scarce. Zaidi reflected on her personal experiences, saying, “I really wanted to be a professional player, but there was a lack of female players and girls teams, and opportunities were non-existent.”
As part of her coaching ethos, Zaidi emphasized the foundation’s goal: “I love the girls but the purpose is not to keep them, but to help them to grow and develop and signpost them into different clubs in the areas that they live in.” She noted that many South Asian girls are interested in football but lack the necessary skills.
Zaidi’s vision—”empower, inspire and encourage girls”— is particularly aimed at those from black and South Asian backgrounds. Her success serves as an example that aspirations can materialize. “Representation matters to this generation… that’s why the girls feel comfortable with me,” she concluded.
In recognition of her efforts, Zaidi was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2017. She has also earned the Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration and was celebrated at the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards with the Asian Woman of Achievement Award, highlighting her significant contributions to sports and the community.
Original Source: aboutislam.net
