Muslim Sports Foundation (MSF), in partnership with The Football Association (FA), proudly hosted a transformative Women’s Coaching Conference at the iconic St George’s Park — the heart of English football development.
The event welcomed over 50 passionate women from across the UK, all united by a shared goal: to grow, learn, and lead within the football coaching landscape. The turnout reflected a rising interest in football from within the Muslim community — a promising sign of things to come.
A Day of Learning, Empowerment, and Faith
The day kicked off with a warm meet-and-greet registration, fostering early connections among attendees. Kat Clarke of the FA formally opened the event, followed by a heartfelt welcome from MSF, setting the tone for an empowering and faith-infused day.
Ruksana from Leicester City Football Club then took the stage to reflect on progress made since last year’s event, inspiring attendees with real-world developments and local community impact.
Tailored Workshops for All Levels
Participants broke into two targeted morning workshop sessions:
-
Beginner Coaches explored the journey to becoming a qualified coach, gaining insights into various FA-supported pathways and development programs.
-
Advanced Coaches focused on refining their coaching delivery and expanding their impact in their local communities.
Practical Sessions for Real-World Impact
In the afternoon, attendees engaged in hands-on, practical coaching sessions designed to equip them with actionable tools and techniques. These activities were aimed at enabling participants to immediately apply what they learned in their own community settings — whether in Madrassas, women’s groups, or local football clubs.
Football, Faith, and Community
The conference showcased the power of football as a unifying force, with Islam proudly embraced as a source of strength and identity. It was deeply moving to witness women connecting through faith and sport, building confidence not just as coaches, but as changemakers within their communities.
Asma Ajaz-Ali, Head of Participation and Communities at Muslim Sports Foundation, said:
“This collaboration with the FA to provide coaching opportunities for Muslim women is a significant achievement for MSF.”
“We’re creating pathways where there were none, and empowering women to lead both on and off the pitch.”
The Muslim Sports Foundation extends sincere thanks to Ruksana of Leicester City FC, Kat Clarke, Sharon Muxworthy, and the wider FA team for their pivotal roles in making this event a resounding success.
