Can football fix society? Reflections from Grassroots practice

About the presentation:

Over the decades, football has remained the most popular sport on earth and grass-roots sport in the UK continues to be the first experience many children have of the professional game. In this speed-run through his experiences in grass-roots football, Ahmed draws on these experiences to inform, educate and enlighten. Looking at crucial incidences where football has served to prove successful in creating positive social contributions whilst viewing these alongside current events to answer the question ‘can football fix society?’

Who is it for?

It is hoped this presentation will appeal to academics, grass-roots coaches, players and families as well as anyone with an interest in sport and society. Grass-roots sports supplies a voluntary vocation for many thousands of people every weekend across the UK and fulfils a trusted and inspiring role. Local grass-roots clubs need coaches and community support now more than ever but can also offer so much in return.

Presented by:

Ahmed El-Turabi is a Leeds Beckett University alum (MSc Sports Events Management, 2020) who conducted research in culture and football, surveying attitudes towards the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar from Arab and British perspectives. He is a Leeds resident and football coach who credits football as being the lifeline that connects him to wider society, providing him and so many others with a sense of purpose, identity and belonging. Ahmed started his coaching journey as a FA-qualified coach almost a decade ago and now coaches locally with Chapeltown Juniors and at Premier League champions Manchester City FC.

Host or Publisher Carnegie School of Sport