Asians in Football

Netan Sansara

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Teenage sensation Netan Sansara is the latest Asian footballer to emerge and show that there is talent among the community.
The 17-year-old, who is combining his career while studying for A-levels in PE, Biology and Psychology at South Birmingham College, was given a professional contract in December 2006 by League Two side Walsall Football Club and was also in the England U-18 squad that took on Holland last week.

The defender is only the second British-Asian player to represent England at any level after Cardiff City's Michael Chopra.

"I feel privileged to be playing football because it is something I have always wanted to do," said Sansara. "To be honest, not many Asian kids get support from their parents. From a young age, my mum used to take me to training and knew I had a keen interest, so she has helped me a lot in my career. But my mum has always highlighted the point of getting an education so that's why I'm doing my A-levels as well. You know how Asians are, they love education.” 
                                    
Sansara's journey to becoming a professional player began when he was a child. He was soon playing for his school and for local sides. At 15, interest in him grew when he turned out for a men's team. At 16, he had a trial with Championship side Birmingham City but he was advised to go and try out at Walsall FC. "I was told that I would have a better chance at Walsall because at Birmingham City, they have got a lot of money and don't really pay notice to their youth team. So I tried out at Walsall. I trained with them on a Friday and I signed for their youth team a few days later."Less than a year from then, he was signing a professional contract with the side and has become a regular in their reserve side Sansara says his friends were surprised that an Asian had made it as a footballer, but are happy that he has succeeded. He now wants to use his position as an example to Asians who want to make football a career.

"I just want to be a role model because I have played with other Asian kids. I have seen a lot of talent.Most Asian kids start getting serious about football from a late age, They miss out on all the early training and exposure and that could be vital"If they take it seriously enough and commit to playing at a higher level than at the grassroots, then I think they have a good chance of making it."

Sansara plies his trade as a left back but says that he originally played as a left-winger. "I was a left winger before because I was quite fast and nippy. When I went for a trial at Birmingham City, I was told that playing as a defender would suit my style because I was tall and athletic. I have slotted into that position and I'm used to it. But I still love to run with the ball, like Liverpool's John Arne Riise."
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