What does it really take for a young footballer to make it and what do parents need to understand about the journey?

In Episode 4 of Muslims In The Game, Asif Mahmud sits down with Imran Hamid, former Manchester United Academy coach, educator and Premier League No Room For Racism Icon, for an honest conversation about youth football and player development.

Drawing on his experience working with young players in elite academy and grassroots environments, Imran gives a fascinating insight into what coaches actually look for in young footballers and why talent alone is never enough.

We discuss academy football, identifying talent, the role of parents, mentality and resilience, dealing with rejection, balancing education with football, the pressures facing young players and what separates those who progress from those who don't.

Imran also shares his own journey into coaching, his experiences at Manchester United, representation within football and why developing the person is just as important as developing the player.

Whether your child plays grassroots football, dreams of joining an academy, is already within the academy system or you simply want to understand what really happens behind the scenes in elite youth football - this is an episode worth listening to.

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SPORT • IDENTITY • FAITH • COMMUNITY

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In Episode 3 of Muslims In The Game, Asif Mahmud sits down with Shebby Mahmood and Imam Abid, the co-founders of The Fajr Club.

Recorded in Granada, Spain during The Fajr Club's charity cycling challenge, this conversation explores faith, fitness, community, brotherhood and why Muslims should challenge themselves physically while serving others.

We discuss:

• Can fitness be an act of worship?
• Why Muslims need clubs like The Fajr Club
• Brotherhood in today's world
• Charity and sincerity
• Health and wellbeing
• Tackling misconceptions about The Fajr Club

Whether you're interested in Islam, sport or community, this is an honest conversation about purpose, discipline and bringing people together.

In Episode 2 of Muslims In The Game, Asif Mahmud sits down with Dr Zaf Iqbal, one of the UK's leading sports medicine consultants.

Dr Zaf shares his journey from growing up in Rochdale to working with elite athletes and football clubs, discussing faith, identity, service, medicine and the lessons he's learned throughout his career.

Topics include:

• Growing up in Rochdale

• Becoming a doctor

• Working in elite football

• Ramadan and professional sport

• Humanitarian work in Pakistan

• Faith and purpose

• Advice for young Muslims

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe and Share to help us grow the Muslims In The Game community.

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Former Premier League striker Nathan Ellington joins Muslims In The Game for an honest conversation about faith, football and identity.

Nathan reflects on discovering Islam at a young age, navigating professional football as one of the earliest Muslims in the Premier League, and how attitudes towards faith in football have changed over the years.

We discuss:
• Finding Islam
• Faith in professional football
• Identity and belonging
• Challenges faced by Muslim players
• The changing landscape of football
• Advice for young Muslims

Muslims In The Game is a podcast exploring the Muslim experience in sport, culture, identity and community through honest conversations with players, fans, athletes, coaches, creators and voices from across the sporting world.

Follow Muslims In The Game:
Instagram: @muslimsinthegame
X: @mitgpodcast

Hosted by Asif Mahmud.