On Thursday 4th August 2022 the Bedfordshire FA Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) hosted the first South Asian Heritage Month Event. The event saw over 55 individuals come together for an evening of Celebration, Commemoration and Education.

Trishan Patel (UEFA A Licence candidate and Berkhamsted Raiders Assistant Manager) shared his journey through football. From being a football obsessed youngster to starting a coaching business, Trishan gave a powerful and sincere account of his experiences.

For the second part of the evening, a panel consisting of Asif Khan (Luton Phoenix Chair), Nathan Gill (IAG Member), Butch Fazal (FA Coach Inclusion & Diversity Manager), Harp Arora (Bedfordshire FA Referee) and Hina Shafi (Sports Activist). The panel were proposed several questions that related to various topics to which the panel were able to provide insightful replies.
 
We were delighted to host Blood Cancer Charity DKMS, who provide vital support for individuals with Blood Cancer. Throughout the evening, DKMS were able to register a number of individuals on the stem cell database – a huge thank you on behalf of DKMS to everyone who registered, a registration that could one day save a life!

For more Information on the work DKMS carry out please visit: https://www.dkms.org.uk/. 

Cliff Simmonds (IAG Member) had the following to say regarding the event:

‘It is a privilege to be part the Bedfordshire FA Inclusion Advisory Group. The South Asian History Month event was our first “Inclusion Event” & gauging by the hugely positive feedback on the event and the guest speakers, it is a model the team will look to repeat.’

A huge thank you to the IAG for their hard work in making the event such a success, to all of the speakers for speaking so passionately and to DKMS for their support with event. 

Finally, a massive thank you to all the attendees, your support is invaluable for the development of the game.