There is more work to be done to help South Asian footballers feel included, and the game is missing out

Sai Sachdev is one of 22 players from a South Asian background to have played professional men’s football in the 2022‑23 season among an overall playing list of about 4,000. His story is remarkable because he was recruited by Sheffield United from grassroots football at 15, having been let go by Leicester when he was younger.

Sachdev has made two appearances for the club this season, although unfortunately he is now out with a broken leg sustained in September. But the 19-year-old right-back has shown enough promise to represent England at age-group level and earn rave reviews from United’s manager, Chris Wilder.