As highlighted in my profile, it is my intention to drive for changes in attitudes both within South East Asian communities and the game itself governing by the Four National Rugby Boards in the UK and Ireland. Namely that the diversity policies (for the RFU for example) make no explicit mention of what they will do to get children and adults of this ethnicity into playing, coaching, taking up committee positions and supporting Rugby Union.
Furthermore, there needs to be a sea change in the attitudes by the clubs both professional, semi professional and amateur (Community Clubs) especially when it comes to those areas of the country which do not have large South Eastern Asian Communities, that this is an untapped resource. There is a possible unintentioned bias not to consider this ethnic group as being worthwhile pursuing, due to a belief that they are solely interested in Cricket or Football.
Similiarly, cultural barriers or preceptions by South East Asian parents need to be challenged and overcome to allow children, young adults and adults to experience the benefits of playing the sport and how certainly skills are transferrable to education and employment later on.
I would like to ask yourselves if based in the UK whether you have yourself come across players, coaches and committee members of South East Asian Background at your clubs.
Kind Regards
Bala
(Maheson Balasundaram)
Furthermore, there needs to be a sea change in the attitudes by the clubs both professional, semi professional and amateur (Community Clubs) especially when it comes to those areas of the country which do not have large South Eastern Asian Communities, that this is an untapped resource. There is a possible unintentioned bias not to consider this ethnic group as being worthwhile pursuing, due to a belief that they are solely interested in Cricket or Football.
Similiarly, cultural barriers or preceptions by South East Asian parents need to be challenged and overcome to allow children, young adults and adults to experience the benefits of playing the sport and how certainly skills are transferrable to education and employment later on.
I would like to ask yourselves if based in the UK whether you have yourself come across players, coaches and committee members of South East Asian Background at your clubs.
Kind Regards
Bala
(Maheson Balasundaram)
