“I was first introduced to Paz and his work at ‘SWS’ whilst I was working at MCFC as a Project Manager during early 2010 for the then new owners from Abu Dhabi. First impressions are everything and Paz’s dedication, passion, and work ethics especially around youngsters were evident from that point.

Soon after we engaged in a Joint Venture with SWS and the very successful City Select model at MCFC was born which was and still is to this day a great vehicle for young players offering them a second chance at becoming a footballer.

Alongside this work it’s important to remember how many young person’s lives have been dramatically changed for the better by Paz and his team. Not only a great Football organisation but an even better one from a Social Responsibility perspective. I look forward to working together again on some new projects very soon. “

“I would like to thank Paz and the team at Street Work Soccer for their long-established relationship with Manchester City.

Next year will mark 14 years of us working together.

We have some exciting new projects in association with Street Work, some have already started which includes our Street Select sessions at the City Football Academy.

These exciting initiatives will see a much greater participation in football from underrepresented groups across the North of England and beyond.”

“Street Work Soccer Academy is an organisation that provides opportunity for enthusiastic young people. Led by Paz, the staff inspire and dedicate themselves to create a fantastic learning environment for all. The Academy caters for people from all backgrounds and life experiences and provides opportunity to develop and enjoy themselves. It cannot be underestimated the positive effect that Paz and his staff have on these young people - a credit to all involved.”

“The value of Street Work Soccer Academy (SWSA)

I have been associated with SWSA for around 10 years when I have observed the vision set in place by its founder Parvez Shan turn into reality. Parvez’s vision was set up a structured Pathway to enable structured Coaching, Mentoring and Guidance to enable Children mature into Young Adults with chasing their dream in Football. The testament to the value of this has been recognition by The City Football Group and Manchester City Football Club recognising this invaluable service SWSA provides in the community.”

“Congratulations to the Street Work Soccer Academy on 30 years of support to tens of thousands of young people who been given an opportunity to develop their full football potential. Over many years I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the football pathways that the Academy has created for young people, many from areas of social deprivation.

The meticulous organisation and professionalism of the staff team has ensured that the football coaching and game experience has been of the highest quality. The values that the Academy stands for have enabled individuals to benefit in so many ways, especially the development of their self-esteem and self-discipline.

The Academy has been innovative at home and abroad-their most recent partnership being with Rishworth School to set up the Rishworth International Football Academy.

I have worked with Paz Shan, the founder of Street Work, over many years in my capacity as an Education Consultant at the Manchester City Football Academy. Paz’s care and dedication to the development of young people has always been a most impressive quality.

Over the last 30 years the Academy has gone from strength to strength and will continue to thrive as an essential part of football in local communities…all their success has been thoroughly deserved.”

“Street Work soccer academy provides a valuable community resource in the north of England. Through the phenomenal and inspirational leadership of Paz Shan the organisation has remained embedded in the community while reaching out to international partners that contribute to enabling the goals of the project. In the 1990s I was Paz’s line manager at Action Sport (Leeds), and I can see the principles and values of Action Sport’s inclusive community development work engrained in how Street Work does its business every day.

Last week in Belgium, I led a symposium with Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the legendary podium salute activist athlete protestors from Mexico 1968. Their stance and politics took decades to be fully recognised but their belief in what they did/do never waned. Like Smith and Carlos, Street Work hasn’t always had the support of key stakeholders in the city of Leeds and other funders, so it has had to become self-reliant, resilient and have an innate belief that what they are doing is right for the footballers and coaches of all ages and levels locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

After 30 years the longevity of Street Work is the only response needed for those doubters of the need for this project for under-represented minoritized ethnic communities in football’s talent progression pathway.”