Bangladeshi woman Tahira Islam proved the power of football as breaking all the barriers and taboo as she joined an English team as coach.
Tahira, who wears hijab as a devoted Muslim, has been recruited as assistant coach of the Cottenham United Colts FC under-16 woman team.
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Tahira, a computer engineer student, went to England for higher studies and with the passion for football she completed a coaching course that allowed him to land with the job.
“I focused on my academic career and have gained success. After moving to the UK, I took the opportunity offered by the FA to do the Level 1 coaching certificate. It was my first attempt at trying to forge a career in something that I had missed,” said Tahira to the website of the club.
“It felt a bit alien to begin with. My fellow coursemates all had much more experience than myself. Moreover, they played football too. However, I diligently put in my time and worked through to complete the training.
As a Muslim woman of South Asian descent, I am one of a very few to have taken up football coaching. Enthusiastic about the job, I hope that many more follow. 'Football brings people together, and in an increasingly fractured world, it might help us find unity where there is division,” she added.
Tahira has been working under head coach David Burkett, who is ecstatic to welcome her in the club.
“It has been a pleasure to welcome Tahira to our wonderful group of U16 girls. As a club, Cottenham United Colts FC currently have no other female coaches. This has been an ideal opportunity for us as a forward thinking, positive and open club, to help to inspire the next generation of female players and coaches. Tahira has really bought into our team ethic with a real enthusiasm and such commitment and it is always useful to have the opinion and eyes of others. Despite the pandemics best attempts we look forward to continuing this journey together,” said the coach.