A Rochdale-born woman has become the first female Muslim football agent in the UK.
Duty solicitor criminal advocate Shehneela Ahmed is now a registered football agent with the Football Association (FA) and is hoping that her designation will encourage more females from ethnic backgrounds to follow her lead.
Ms Ahmed said: “This will have a big impact on my career as I intend to promote more people from the Asian background to encourage their children to take part in the sports industry.
“To me personally this is a big thing. It’s a golden opportunity for me to promote females from other ethnic backgrounds to do the same.
“The sports world is no longer just a man’s sport and more females are now involved in the sport industry. Especially with the football, I grew up watching the game. I have good male friends around me who are already involved in the football industry who also have encouraged me.”
Graduating from Staffordshire University, Ms Ahmed admitted that she didn’t know she would become the first female Muslim football agent until her application was successful.
She said: “At the time when I applied to become a Football Agent I wasn’t aware there weren’t any Asian female football agents. It’s only after that I became aware.
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“It’s a challenge for me. I want to prove to ethnic minorities and females that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.”
Ms Ahmed received her license in September and is enjoying life in her new position.
She added: “I’ve had clients approach me, from players, managers and clubs and I’ve had some really good feedback so far.”
