The famous movie Bend It Like Beckham is a story of every football-mad Asian girl’s dream, Real Life Asian Footballer hit the scene 6 Months Ago! Saddi Shan, a 21-year-old prospect being tipped for international honours.
In her younger years Saddi attended Bordesley Village Primary School and aged nine was the first girl in the area selected to join the Gifted and Talented scheme. Her talent further blossomed when she trialled for Aston Villa’s U-11 squad.
Later, attending a girls’ school did not keep Saddi away from the sport she loves. She captained Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, the team winning the Keele Cup and Regional Seven-A-Side Power League Tournament three years running.
Referred Saddi to academies at West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City football clubs.
After a spell away from the game, Saddi returned in 2008 and made history by becoming the first ever Asian girl to join West Midlands Regional League Premier Division team Solihull Ladies. She assisted the team to the edge of promotion, with second position achieved in 2010 and 2011 and third in 2012.
Saddi has won countless medals, trophies and certificates since debuting for the club, including a League Cup winners’ medal and Players Player Season 2012 in a chance to Captain for the Team in 2013.
For a young girl who started off kicking a ball about in the parks dreaming of playing football at the highest rank, it was an amazing feeling for Saddi when aged 19 she was offered a scholarship in America.
She represents Coventry University ladies first team, and working at Warwickshire County Cricket Club and her all-time favourite Birmingham City FC gives her the chance to meet other great sports personalities and offers the opportunity to travel with teams when on tour.
Recently Saddiqa has begun her own Legacy, Creating a buzz in the Football Field for her Unique story and for what she is about to achieve. The Football sensation recieved not one but two amazing news all in a space of a few hours in One day, Not something you hear every day but the 21 Year old is up for Nomination at the ‘Asian Achievers Awards’ which will be hosted at Grosevenor House on the 6th of September followed by the ‘Asian Football Awards’ Hosted at The Wembley Arena October 8th.
Saddiqa is Shortlisted for the Sports Personality of the Year and the Women in sports Category, alongside big competetive names but this the break through that she has prepared for. The stage is set and now its for the judging panel to announce the Winner.
Heres to say good luck to saddiqa not only for the Two Glitz Nights but she needs your support, if she was to ever become the first ever muslim british born footballer Live on TV and perhaps in the near future represnting England as now that the opportunties are being created the possibilities are also endless!! A Legacy which creates a role model and will inspire many young females in the upcoming generation
#BelieveThe Hype
Twitter @Falmersalma @SaddiqaShan1
