Understand
Hereford FC footballer Kam Kandola says South Asian representation in football has a long way to go
Overview
Hereford FC defender Kam Kandola has stated that South Asian representation in football is improving but not quickly enough, noting that South Asian players remain a minority at elite levels. Kandola, who recently won Non-League Player of the Year at the 2026 Asian Football Awards, emphasised the importance of grassroots involvement and role models. While the Football Association reports increased participation across all levels, South Asians still account for just over 1% of elite-level competitors.
Key points
- Kam Kandola stated that South Asian representation in football has a long way to go and is not improving quickly enough.
- The Hereford FC defender recently won the Non-League Player of the Year award at the 2026 Asian Football Awards.
- According to the Football Association, South Asian individuals make up just over 1% of participants at an elite level in English football.
- Kandola stressed that increasing representation must start at the grassroots level with younger players having visible role models.
- The 22-year-old expressed a dream of playing internationally for India if eligibility restrictions change in the future.