Amar Cymru: Uniting South Asian Football Fans in Wales
Football is more than just a game, it’s a powerful force that brings communities together, promotes a sense of belonging, and celebrates shared passion. In Wales, South Asian football fans have long supported the national team and grassroots football, yet their contributions have often gone unrecognised. To change this, in 2020 during Euro 2020 the Bengal Dragons Foundation launched Amar Cymru, a South Asian football supporters’ group that amplifies the voices of fans and strengthens their connection to Welsh football.
The Meaning of Amar Cymru
The name “Amar Cymru” beautifully reflects the identity and purpose of the group. “Amar” (আমার) is Bengali for “my,” while “Cymru” is Welsh for “Wales” together, they mean “My Wales.” This name symbolises the deep sense of belonging, pride, and identity that South Asian communities feel for Wales, reinforcing that Welsh football is for everyone, regardless of background.
A Platform for South Asian Football Fans
For years, South Asians in Wales have passionately followed and contributed to football, yet they lacked a dedicated platform to connect and be represented. Amar Cymru was created to fill this gap, giving fans a space to come together, celebrate their love for the sport, and increase their presence in Welsh football culture.
By promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment, Amar Cymru encourages greater South Asian participation in football, not just as supporters, but also as players, coaches, referees, and administrators. The group’s mission is to highlight the importance of representation and ensure that football in Wales truly reflects its diverse communities.
A notable moment captured by the BBC highlights how fans from diverse backgrounds came together to support the Welsh national team, showcasing the unity and inclusiveness that football inspires. You can watch the coverage here.
Strengthening Community and Representation
A key goal of Amar Cymru is to bridge the gap between South Asian communities and Welsh football. Through matchday gatherings, social meet-ups, and community events, the group brings fans together and strengthens their sense of identity within the sport.
Beyond supporting the national team, Amar Cymru collaborates with grassroots initiatives to help young South Asian players find pathways into football. By working with clubs, governing bodies, and football associations, the group advocates for greater representation and tackles the barriers that have historically limited opportunities for South Asians in football.
The BDF Connection
As a Bengal Dragons Foundation initiative, Amar Cymru benefits from the foundation’s deep-rooted commitment to inclusion, grassroots development, and community empowerment. Together, BDF and Amar Cymru are working to promote greater participation in Welsh football among South Asian communities, making a tangible impact by encouraging more South Asian fans to actively support the game, creating pathways for young South Asians to enter the sport at various levels, and hosting events that celebrate South Asian football culture in Wales.
Advocating for Multi-Faith Rooms and Branded Prayer Mats
Amar Cymru has achieved a significant milestone by establishing a multi-faith room at Cardiff City stadium during Wales matches, alongside FAW-branded prayer mats in collaboration with Nujum Sports. These facilities provide a dedicated space for fans of various faiths to pray and reflect, ensuring that everyone’s spiritual needs are accommodated during matchdays.
The introduction of the multi faith room and these prayer mats not only signifies the Football Association of Wales’s commitment to inclusivity but also reinforces the message that football is a sport for everyone, celebrating the multicultural identity of Welsh football.
Working Alongside Her Game Too
Amar Cymru is also proud to work alongside Her Game Too, an initiative dedicated to addressing sexism in football and promoting gender equality in the sport.
By collaborating with this movement, Amar Cymru aims to ensure that women and girls in South Asian communities feel empowered to participate in football, whether as players, supporters, or leaders. This partnership reinforces the commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive in the beautiful game.
Amar Cymru Wales on the Global Stage: Qatar 2022
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was a landmark moment for Wales, marking the team’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage in 64 years. It was also a defining moment for Amar Cymru, as South Asian fans proudly represented Wales at the tournament.
Members of the group traveled to Qatar, waving the Welsh flag and showcasing the diversity of Welsh football support. Through matchday meet-ups and community-led fan gatherings, Amar Cymru amplified South Asian representation on the global stage, reinforcing the message that football in Wales belongs to everyone, regardless of background.
A Legacy Beyond the World Cup
While the Qatar World Cup was a significant milestone, Amar Cymru’s mission extends far beyond it. The group remains committed to promoting inclusion within Welsh football, advocating for greater South Asian representation in the sport, and collaborating with BDF to create pathways for young South Asian players, coaches, and administrators. Through ongoing events, partnerships with football organisations, and community-driven initiatives, Amar Cymru is shaping a more inclusive future for Welsh football.
Be Part of the Movement
The journey doesn’t stop here. Whether you were in Qatar supporting Wales or cheering from home, Amar Cymru invites all South Asian football fans to join this growing movement.
Follow Amar Cymru and the Bengal Dragons Foundation to get involved in upcoming events, matchday meet-ups, and initiatives that celebrate diversity in Welsh football. Together, we can make football in Wales truly for everyone.