Tahir Akram

Areas of Work

• Supporting the place partnership - Active Bradford
• Oversee our Lead the Change programme – https://www.yorkshiresport.org/what-we-do/people-and-skills/LeadTheChange
• Lead our environmental sustainability work - https://www.yorkshiresport.org/about-us/climate
• Part of Sport England’s Leading the Movement co-design group - https://www.leadingthemovement.org/about-us/co-design-group/

Previous Experience

I’ve been a Coach Developer for the FA for the last four years, one of the main reasons I do this in my spare time is to help aspiring coaches along their journey. I have stood as a parliamentary candidate in a General Election, I don’t see myself as a politician but do think it’s important we stand up for what is right.  During the pandemic I started learning Spanish, something which I’ve continued to do, although not to same level when I first started! I also started a football podcast during Covid, although that died a death when the constant editing took way too much time. My professional journey has been incredibly diverse, ranging from working for a County FA and coaching to selling tools and working in insurance. Each of these roles has shaped me as an individual, contributing to my growth and making me the person I am today.

Keeping Active

Sport and in particular football have been a huge part of my life, recently I have taken up Padel and like many that have tried have become obsessed with it!

I retired from football 3 years ago but have recently come out of retirement to play vets football, I remember a saying from an old coach – ‘keeping playing until your body allows you to, you’re a long time retired’. He was bang on the money.

I also enjoy travelling and taking in different cultures, regularly trying to persuade friends and family to join me on my next trip!​​​​​​​