In the heart of football’s rich history lies a story that transcends the game itself – a narrative of unity, resilience, and the unyielding fight against racism.
Following the success of the Khalsa Football Academy’s 35th-anniversary showcase, the ‘Striving for Unity’ project continues to inspire audiences. Baljinder Singh Lehal’s journey is now being showcased at the world’s first football museum, located in the North Hertfordshire Museum in Hitchin.
Launched on August 6, 2024, and running until September 29, 2024, the exhibition highlights Baljinder’s incredible experiences at over 100 stadiums globally and the vital work of the Khalsa Football Academy in promoting equality and tackling racism. As visitors explore the museum, they will find Baljinder’s personal journey as a distinguished football and futsal coach and player.
Baljinder shared the significance of showcasing his story at such a prestigious venue and how the Khalsa Football Academy continues to break down cultural barriers and inspire communities. “I never thought my coaching and football development work would ever be in an exhibition,” he said.
“However, to be showcased in the first-ever football museum in the world is thanks to the hard work dedicated by all the volunteers at Khalsa Youth Football Academy. This is a great honour not only for me but also for the entire community as it helps break down barriers and creates positive profiles for the Asian community.
“We experience racism on a day-to-day basis and football can be a positive way to bring different community groups together. With the Khalsa Football Academy (KFA), we have experienced along the 35-year journey barriers internally and externally from the football community.
“And our ‘Striving For Unity’ campaign will aim to continue to support vulnerable members of society. The hard work was setting up the KFA and actually delivering development work around the globe, gaining accreditation in both football, futsal and a special Olympics coach.
“Having that profile alongside great players like Sir Stanley Matthews is actually really good as it can further enhance and profile our main objectives. This includes promoting integration, tackling inequality, tackling racism, tackling under-representation and supporting families and children and adults with special needs and the hardship they face from the community and the authorities.
“One example is we travelled to Spain as the first anti-racism organisation to travel to Spain, representing England against an All-Star Spanish legend side at Valencia CF, promoting the anti-racism campaign ‘Striving For Unity’. This was featured on Spanish TV and was a result of all the Black players getting racially abused in an international fixture between Spain and England.
“The ‘Striving For Unity’ exhibition, hopefully, will hopefully bring sponsors, media, community and individuals working together in a unified approach to support vulnerable members of the community. The campaign will aim to continue to highlight the barriers that exist for vulnerable members of society.
We are currently working alongside the authorities to discuss and implement better policies or influence better policies that support vulnerable members of society to access better health, education and a level playing field in sports and community. We have already launched future projects that can provide opportunities to technical futsal players and coaches.
We have already created opportunities for sensory-based sessions for special needs adults and children and have already created more pathways for future events alongside the exhibitions. We have had outreach projects with AC Milan, AS Roma, and Real Madrid just to name a few global clubs.
“We have created initiatives that can inspire youngsters and the community. Through volunteering and through ‘The KFA Futsal Series’, we have created a futsal platform that is ready to provide further opportunities for a wider community nationally.
“Further organisations working together can accelerate our affiliations and networks. Sponsorship and media can and will be a key vital part in opening projects up to a wider participation.
“South Africa’s education and discipline seem to work at a younger age, the school children have so much respect for their elders. Across the European continent, there is more intergenerational time spent with families and maybe that’s an area “some” children in England could benefit from spending more time with different generations like grandparents, parent time and siblings and then peers and friends” time.
“Getting that balance right with the right age and the correct company. For great memories - working on development football programmes at the Khalsa Football Academy, and obviously winning numerous Futsal and Futbol de Salao circuits and tournaments.
“Playing in over 100 football stadiums around the world promoting the ‘Striving For Unity’ campaign. There are so many ways to highlight racism and racists through a Real Talk campaign like we have set up with Khalsa Football Academy in partnership with the police.
“I’m currently working with Hertfordshire Police Officer Lewis Hamilton where we have direct contact to tackle racism, hate crime and go straight into bringing a litigation or criminal conviction. Or, if coaches or players want more of a subtle campaign approach, there is some amazing equality and racism work done nationwide by voluntary organisations.
“Every coach and player have to challenge racism in a way that suits them and they are comfortable. Ultimately that’s not always the case and one has to do the right thing by actually challenging people and organisations and establishments directly.
“As we conclude this insightful conversation with Baljinder Singh Lehal, it’s clear that his journey is about much more than football. Through the Khalsa Football Academy and the ‘Striving for Unity’ exhibition, Bal has shown that sport is a powerful catalyst for change.”
From his personal milestones as a player and coach to the broader mission of promoting equality and tackling racism, Baljinder’s story is an inspiring testament to resilience, community, and the pursuit of justice.
As Baljinder reflects on his path, it’s evident that the journey is far from over. With the upcoming stops of the Striving for Unity tour, including a visit to Saint George’s Park, the message continues to spread.
For Baljinder Singh Lehal and the Khalsa Football Academy, the future is about building on this momentum, using sport to bring communities together and inspire the next generation. This exhibition is not just a celebration of the past 35 years; it’s a call to action for the years ahead.
