An Oxford-based sports coach determined to improve diversity hopes to inspire more black people to consider teaching the next generation of athletes.

Aliyah Anthony has been coaching in education sites across Oxfordshire after graduating from Middlesex University with a first in Teaching and Coaching.

The 24-year-old works for Oxford-based registered training provider Ignite Sport UK, who is committed to making sport more accessible and inclusive to participants of all ages, cultures and abilities.

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To mark Black History Month, Ms Anthony is encouraging more black girls to pursue a career in coaching after research by Sporting Equals revealed 21% of the BAME sports community believed they faced barriers getting into senior positions in sport.

Oxford Mail:

“There are a lack of females, and a lack of black females, in coaching,” she said.

“From my understanding, coaching isn’t a profession that many black females want to explore. That’s what I am passionate about changing. Every day I see how quality sports coaching can connect participants of different backgrounds through challenges that encourage teamwork, communication and listening. Being a black female in coaching can be inspiring to others. It only takes one person to see another coaching to change someone’s interpretation. Ignite is doing everything within its power to make coaching as a career as inclusive as possible. It’s a collective ambition to inspire more young black girls into coaching through my engagement in schools and other education sites across Oxfordshire.”

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Ms Anthony’s passion for sport was sparked during her childhood where she represented Oxford Blackbirds in football before later playing for Oxford United and Oxford City.

But her pathway to a career in coaching stemmed from her inspiration towards former England Women’s Head Coach Hope Powell. She led the national team to the quarter finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2007 and 2011 and became the first women to achieve the UEFA Pro Licence – the highest coaching qualification – 18 years ago. Ms Anthony added: “I’ve applied to study my UEFA B Licence and one day aspire to coach in the professional game, that’s the dream. But I also want to be a role model to young black girls.”

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Justin Merritt, CEO of Ignite Sport UK, added: “Aliyah is an integral member of our qualified team of coaches who are committed to supporting the provision of sport across Oxfordshire. Sport can use Black History Month as an inspiration to accelerate this.”

Black History Month has been celebrated since 1987 and takes place each October.