FA to increase BAME roles

FORMER Arsenal defender Sol Campbell is to work in the England Under-21’s coaching setup as part of the Football Association’s drive to increase opportunities for black, Asian,

minority ethnic (BAME) coaches in all levels of the national team.

Campbell, who has criticised the lack of top-level management openings for himself and other BAME coaches, will work with England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd in November, the FA said in a statement.

The ‘In Pursuit of Progress’, strategy, launched in August, aims to provide opportunities

around gender and ethnicity across all age groups of the England teams.

Its creation followed fierce criticism of the FA’s lack of diversity, particularly from former

non-executive director and board member Heather Rabbatts who stood down last

year citing a lack of progress on the issue.

“While we recognise English football has a long way to go in boosting diversity across our

coaching community, this is a step in the right direction,” FA technical director Dan Ashworth said.

“There are a lot of talented coaches who just need the right opportunity.”

The FA added that positions would also be announced in the near future in the women’s

teams.

They will also commit to ensuring at least one BAME candidate will be interviewed for

every role, providing they meet the selection criteria.