Shehneela Ahmed hopes to inspire young footballers

Shehneela Ahmed

Shehneela Ahmed is already making her mark across the globe as the world's first female Asian football agent for the English FA and is now hoping to inspire young footballers who want to play the game professionally.

Rochdale born Shehneela wants youngsters from all over the UK to “Believe - Inspire – Achieve” with her message being “the journey will not stop, it's a long haul”.

The female football agent believes that training programmes across the UK and abroad are currently offering young and inspiring footballers a unique opportunity to gain insights from professional footballers.

Shehneela said: “One must realise that youth development programmes are an important stepping stone to one day playing professionally. Talent alone is no longer enough. Desire and commitment are the most important attributes for young footballers - if you are good enough, you are good enough and you will make it.

“In my last few visits to football clubs and academies, I have seen some great young players, their touch and control is impressive. I have enjoyed the fact that they are all so keen to learn and experiment. With myself making my presence, I hope that visits like this further inspires these youngsters to be great.

“One of the most important things I have learned is that every coach needs a motivational plan. Motivation is critical and is the key to success. Motivation is what makes us want to do things. It is the difference between doing something with enthusiasm, giving 100% and having a good attitude, or just doing the minimum with a bad attitude.

“I think the best way to motivate young football players is through positive reinforcement, incentives and rewards that motivate them to do the things you want them to do.”

Shehneela has received a positive reaction to her work and wants to thank the thousands of young people and everyone in the UK, India and Pakistan for their emails.