HOPE POWELL fears ‘middle class’ structures in women’s football are blocking new black and ethnic minority talent.
The Brighton women’s boss made history by becoming the first black female manager of an England side when she was Lionesses chief.
Hope Powell believes hybrid football centres could help unearth more talented black and ethnic minority playersCredit: PA:Press Association
But Powell believes the current structure at grassroots level is limiting access for aspiring footballers from minority backgrounds.
She said: “The representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic players on the pitch isn’t as great at the moment.
“I couldn’t really tell you the numbers, but it is all about opportunity.
“There are some real challenges in order to make sure that girls’ football, and the women’s game, has a far enough reach so more players with potential can play it.
My concern is the game is becoming a little bit middle class with the structures.
“The local grassroots game is so important to access.”
Powell’s comments came after the Telegraph revealed black footballers make up an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of Women’s Super League players.
It says this percentage is incredibly low, considering the number of black and non-white stars in the Premier League.
BAME players account for roughly a third of footballers in the men’s top flight.
Powell believes having more training centres in diverse areas and affiliated with top clubs could help the women’s game unearth more talent.
Hope Powell’s Brighton side face Birmingham in their first game of the new Women’s Super League seasonCredit: Rex Features
And the Peckham-born boss admits she was fortunate 40 years ago — when a football coach spotted her potential as a kid.
Powell, 53, said: “I was playing at a very young age and fortunately there was a local club where I lived.
For some who can just about afford to feed their family, they might not be able to afford to send their young daughter to our wonderful training centre, because it’s an hour away
Hope Powell
“The reason I managed to get to training is because the guy who was a coach went out of his way to take me home.
“At Brighton, we’re a tier-one club for finding regional talent in girls’ football. To be able to get to us can be a problem for players’ parents who can’t afford to drive, or put their kid on a train.
“For some who can just about afford to feed their family, they might not be able to afford to send their young daughter to our wonderful training centre, because it’s an hour away.
“I know that from my own experience as a kid. When you have got less money, it’s hard.
“Hybrid centres would be a help. Our club may be based in Brighton, but that doesn’t mean that we couldn’t have a centre based in Peckham, for instance.
“I think there needs to be more work on that, but then it’s finances as well.”
Diversity and race equality in the game is always a major talking point.
In June, Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling led calls for more management opportunities for black stars.
The Premier League and PFA are funding a scheme this season for six BAME players to be put on a 23-month coaching placement at EFL clubs.
Powell, whose Brighton side face Birmingham today, hopes this helps.
She added: “I guess the argument would be it makes you more ready for an opportunity which would be a good thing.”
Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
