A Premier Division role model for Asian youngsters

Rochdale born football agent Shehneela Ahmed, Britain's first Asian female football agent for the English FA, says one of her clients will be "a great role model for Asian youngsters across UK."

Waqas Azam is a 17-year-old who plays Burnley Football club, who just got promoted to the Premier League.

Shehneela said: "Waqas has a great future ahead of him. This is great news for all Asian football youngsters across the UK."

She said she was looking forward to working with a range of footballers from all levels. “It’s a challenge for me and I am looking forward to this.

“To date I have been dealing with hard core criminals so what can be so difficult when it comes to dealing with footballers, managers and agents? I have to start from somewhere.

The female football agent believes that training programmes across the UK and abroad are currently offering young and inspiring footballers a unique opportunity to gain insights from professional footballers.

Shehneela said: “One must realise that youth development programmes are an important stepping stone to one day playing professionally. Talent alone is no longer enough. Desire and commitment are the most important attributes for young footballers - if you are good enough, you are good enough and you will make it.

“In my last few visits to football clubs and academies, I have seen some great young players, their touch and control is impressive. I have enjoyed the fact that they are all so keen to learn and experiment. With myself making my presence, I hope that visits like this further inspires these youngsters to be great.

“One of the most important things I have learned is that every coach needs a motivational plan. Motivation is critical and is the key to success. Motivation is what makes us want to do things. It is the difference between doing something with enthusiasm, giving 100% and having a good attitude, or just doing the minimum with a bad attitude.

“I think the best way to motivate young football players is through positive reinforcement, incentives and rewards that motivate them to do the things you want them to do.”