PEOPLE trying to get more women from ethnic minority backgrounds to become football coaches have been honoured with an award.

Muslimah Sports Association and partners Asian Women’s Workshop Partnership won the workforce award at the annual London Sport Award ceremony at Wembley stadium.

Project leaders helped 15 Asian women in east London develop specialist football skills to become FA level one coaches.

Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, which backs the project, also gave the 15 women tailored support.

Yashmin Harun, chairwoman and founder of Muslimah Sports Association says: “This award is for all the partners who worked relentlessly to deliver a tailored course to meet the needs of the local community.

“More importantly it goes to show what can be achieved when stakeholders come together with the same goal in mind.”

“Recognition should also be given to the ladies who participated in the course as they never gave up on their dreams to be involved in football once again.

“We now have fifteen qualified black and minority ethic female coaches who are ready to deliver and inspire the next generation and to bring empowerment through sports is such a great and rewarding thing.”

Cllr Sheila Bain, cabinet member for civic pride says: “It’s great that we have won this award.

“We are committed to helping people from all ethnic backgrounds to be more active and take part in sport and community activities in the borough.

“The women who took park in this project are an inspiration to their communities.”

The Football Association (FA) and Black Asian Coaches Association also back Muslimah Sports Association.

All those who won awards at the ceremony on Thursday, March 8 were recognised for increasing participation in physical activity and sport in London.