Being asked to think about where I see myself in football in 2040 forced me to pause in a way I hadn’t done before. Ahead of RYN Meeting 2, we were asked to create a vision board focused on our future, both in football and in life more broadly, and then present it during the session. Preparing this in advance felt challenging at first but sharing and discussing our vision boards helped me step back and think about the bigger picture beyond short-term roles or day-to-day goals.

As part of the session, we were asked to create three pledges. This was one of the most meaningful parts of the meeting for me, as it encouraged honest self-reflection. One of my pledges was to be the change I want to see in football. As a Muslim South Asian, I grew up rarely seeing people like me represented in football spaces, whether on the pitch, behind the scenes, or in presenting and media roles. For a long time, I did not actively question this, but over time I realised how powerful representation can be, especially for young people trying to find their place in the game.

It was also meaningful to see the session led by Ihsan Ahmed, a Muslim South Asian volunteering within the FA system. Seeing that level of representation within the Regional Youth Network made the discussion feel even more relevant and genuine. It reinforced the idea that progress is being made around equality and inclusion in football, particularly within organisations like The Football Association (FA). Having someone who shares similar cultural experiences leading the session helped create a sense of belonging and showed that these spaces are becoming more reflective of the communities they serve.

Although I am not a football coach, I have spent the past two and a half years working within football environments, particularly in grassroots and non-league football. Being involved in these spaces has given me a strong understanding of how clubs operate and the important role they play within their communities. During the meeting, we discussed what we can do within our current environments to support our longer-term vision. This helped me reflect on how small, consistent actions can make a difference, whether that is how we show up, how we treat others, or how we represent our values.

We also spoke about the importance of our “circle” and the people around us who support our journey. This part of the discussion stood out to me, as it reinforced the idea that progress is rarely made alone. Friends, mentors, colleagues, and networks like RYN can all provide encouragement, guidance, and reassurance, especially in spaces where representation can still feel limited.

Another key takeaway from the session was the opportunity to reflect on challenges and obstacles. Thinking about our current roles and responsibilities helped me recognise both my strengths and areas for growth. It was reassuring to acknowledge that challenges are a normal part of development and that reflecting on them can be just as important as celebrating successes.

Overall, the meeting was a grounding and thought-provoking session. It helped me reflect on my experiences in football, think more deeply about representation and inclusion, and understand how reflection, support, and intention can shape the journey ahead. It reminded me that football has space for many different voices, and that simply being present in those spaces, as yourself, matters.