Hi my name is Preeti Shokar and I am a passionate coach working with an U13's boys team. Football is my passion and I know I'm not alone amongst the South Asian female community. This gives me a sense of purpose, so that the future generation have someone to look up to. I wish to be the role model that I once needed.

I am currently in my 2nd season of coaching transitioning from 7 a-side to 11 a-side. I am a Licensed UEFA C coach and have completed my Talent ID 2, whilst currently holding down a full time job as a Junior Business Intelligence Analyst for the NHS 111 service within the Midlands and a mother to two boys.

I have a decades worth experience as a player. During my playing career I had many obstacles to overcome as there was no representation for me to look up to. Pushing the normality of what a girl like me should be doing is tough, however doing it with everyone watching and the bare minimum support is near enough impossible. Societal pressure pushes girls to go to university, jump on the career ladder and start a family. However, why can't we have it all? To be of service in the family as a daughter, daughter-in-law, mother, wife, sister in law, granddaughter but also as a footballer or coach.

I have also managed to be accepted on to the Mentor Development Programme by The FA. Out of 700+ applicants, 32 short listed, 16 interviews I have managed to become 1 of 10 individuals that can elevate my knowledge and network base on this programme.

Football to me is more than a game — it's a space where identity, belonging, and growth converge. As a South Asian female coach, I bring lived experience, cultural awareness, and a deep sense of purpose to my coaching. I coach to be the role model I once needed — someone who reflects the possibilities for girls from underrepresented communities.

My coaching philosophy is rooted in service, empowerment, and authenticity. I believe every player deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. I want to create emotionally safe environments where players can express themselves freely, learn through reflection, and grow both on and off the pitch so that there is representation across the male and female pyramids of football.

I am committed to inclusive excellence, ensuring that football is accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of background, culture, or identity. I challenge societal norms that limit girls' aspirations and advocate for a future where we can be daughters, professionals, mothers, coaches and footballers — all at once.