Get Involved: Ahmad’s Story
How our Get Involved inclusive community programme helped Ahmad develop as a player and grow in confidence.
Early access to inclusive football played a key role in Ahmad’s development both on and off the pitch.
He first joined Palace for Life at just five years old alongside his older brother Ayoub, through our free, open-access under-7s Get Involved sessions, which increase access to grassroots football for young people from Asian backgrounds.
From the start, our coaches noticed his natural feel for the game and his enthusiasm for football.
That early potential led to a trial at our Development Centre at the Crystal Palace Academy, where Ahmad impressed and was offered a place in our Tier 3 sessions, playing in an age group above his own. These sessions are regularly observed by academy coaching and recruitment staff and Ahmad consistently stood out through his performances and attitude.
In December, he was invited to trial with the Crystal Palace Pre-Academy and joined the programme in January. Although he was later released from the academy in May, Ahmad returned to our Tier 3 development sessions with renewed focus and maturity beyond his years. His response showed resilience, self-belief and a strong commitment to improving, which is something he’s taken into other areas of his life.
Ahmad has also represented Crystal Palace at two Premier League Asian Talent Festivals, including events in Chingford and at Loughborough University, playing alongside young players from 20 other Premier League clubs. His confidence continues to grow and he now attends sessions proudly wearing his Palace kit and speaking openly about his ambition to play professionally one day.
Ahmad, third from left, has represented Crystal Palace at two Premier League Asian Talent Festivals
The impact has extended beyond football, too. Ahmad’s Mum said, “Ahmad used to be shy and quiet, but now he’s more confident, has made lots of friends, and talks about football all the time. He loves coming every week.”
Our coaches have seen the same change. One commented, “Ahmad has really come out of his shell. He’s not just a talented player, but a positive, friendly presence at every session.”
Get Involved is proudly supported by the PLPFA. Sessions are free, open-access and designed to be inclusive, with opportunities for different ages, abilities and genders, see a list of weekly sessions, here.
For more information on Get Involved, head here.