Clarets seek Asian talent

The club, along with the International Football Institute, has conducted research to find out why so few Asians become professional footballers.

And today chief executive Dave Edmundson said the club would implement the findings and build training centres in communities to get more Asians on the Turf's terraces and pitch.

He added 14 per cent of the borough's population were Asian but the club only signed 2.4 per cent and 1.4 per cent of its players from Asian backgrounds at under 14 and 16s respectively.

Mr Edmundson said: "Burnley Football Club takes its responsibilities to the community very seriously.

"The number of Asian supporters who come to matches is minimal and it is in the club's interest and, more importantly, in the interests of the local community that we address this and do something about it.

"One day we would absolutely like to see people from Asian backgrounds in the first team."

The findings of the project conducted by Dr Jonathan Magee from the University of Central Lancashire, and Cliff Olsson of the National Football Museum, will be presented to football chiefs at a seminar at Turf Moor next month.

Guests invited include senior officers from the Football Association, the Football League, the Professional Footballers' Association, Sport England, Burnley Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.

Afrasiab Anwar, sports development officer for Burnley Council and chairman of junior team Danehouse FC, said the club was moving on the right direction and praised the move to set up coaching centres.

He added: "I think it's brilliant. Football is played by young Asians in Burnley and its a matter of getting into communities and tapping into the talent which is there."

Queensgate ward councillor Mohammed Najib said he hoped the drive help people from all backgrounds play together and integrate communities.

He added: "This is fantastic and is another major step towards community cohesion."