The UK’s first female Asian football agent says she is hoping to inspire a new generation of young footballers.

Speaking to Asian Image Sport, Shehneela Ahmed, who also works as a solicitor said, “I’ve spoken to a lot of young footballers who say that once they reach 18 they hit a brick wall when it comes to getting into clubs.

“That is where we are falling flat on our faces.

“In our community especially, people don’t know that clubs often deal with a third person.

“For me it is like being that third parent for them and their guide through the world of football.”

Shehneela, who is originally from Rochdale but now lives in London, is a registered football agent with the Football Association.

She says she has had enquires from India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the USA in the past few weeks.

Shehneela has appeared on Reuters and BBC and in the national press in the past few weeks.

She said, “I wasn’t expecting this kind of attention.

“At the time when I applied to become a football agent I wasn’t aware there weren’t any Asian female football agents. It’s only after that I became aware.

“To me personally this is a big thing. It’s a golden opportunity for me to promote females from other ethnic backgrounds to do the same.

“The sports world is no longer just a man’s sport. More and more females are now involved in the sport industry, especially with football, I grew up watching the game. “I have good male friends around me who are already involved in the football industry who also have encouraged me. Hence I took the plunge. I thought if they can do it then why can’t 1?”

Shehneela, 42, a Manchester United fan herself said she wanted to look at football hopefuls from across all levels.

She said she was looking forward to working with a range of footballers from all levels.

“It’s a challenge for me and I am looking forward to this.

“To date I have been dealing with hard core criminals so what can be so difficult when it comes to dealing with footballers, managers and agents. I have to start from somewhere.

“This will encourage other females to follow into my footsteps and not just to sit back and say or think that the sports world is still a male dominated industry.

“This will allow women from ethnic groups to come forward and progress their careers in other areas apart from the obvious ones.”

She said anyone was welcome to find out more about her and contact her via her website: www.platinumfa.co.uk