Solent graduate makes waves in Southampton community

Shiraz Zawahir, a Southampton Solent University graduate who studied both as an undergraduate and master's student at the institution, has been recognised for his inspiring work with communities through Saints Foundation.

Nominated as one of just 20 No Room for Racism Icon’s nationally – a Premier League initiative aimed at increasing diversity in football and ending discrimination in the sport – Shiraz is making waves as a coach at Southampton Football Club’s charity, Saints Foundation.

Growing up with a passion for sports, Shiraz moved from Sri Lanka to Southampton to study Bsc (Hons) Football Studies followed by an MA in Sport Management. It was during this time that Shiraz first connected with Saints Foundation, volunteering through his course and connecting with the city’s communities through coaching programmes which empower young people and adults to take charge of their wellbeing through football.

Now, after a successful stint at Chelsea F.C., Shiraz is fuelling his passion for coaching, helping residents to thrive through accessible opportunities in sport. As a coach on Saints Foundation’s SO14 Active, Shiraz works with people aged 16+ in St Mary’s to empower them to lead healthy, active lives. Saints Foundations’ SO14 Active Coordinator, Dave Warnes, says:

“Shiraz is an integral part of SO14 Active, and Saints Foundation. He has such a talent not only for coaching, but creating a warm and inviting environment, as well as engaging and building great relationships with such a diverse set of participants.”

Students at Solent have been volunteering at Saints Foundation for ten years, with more than 150 learners making a difference in the lives of Southampton’s residents. A civic university right in the heart of the city, Solent has supported students with the delivery of more than 1,000 hours of volunteering since 2014.

Shiraz says:

“Working in my current role provides me with a very fulfilling feeling, and it’s because I know I’m making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It brings me immense happiness to be able to listen to individuals and communities, understand the struggles they face, and work towards providing solutions to their challenges.

“Knowing that I’m helping people feel valued, especially those who often feel overlooked or ignored, is deeply rewarding. Creating spaces where voices are heard and fostering a sense of belonging and support within the community is what drives me every day.”

 

Shiraz’s success story is just one of many to come out of Southampton Solent University. The impact of graduates is wide-reaching, with recent data analysis by Universities UK (UUK) showing a clear trend – that regions with more graduates are more productive, driving economic growth. While the data is clear – graduates positively contribute to regional economies – it is also important to acknowledge the deep impact of civic pride and responsibility universities like Solent instill in its students to benefit communities.

Solent’s Course Leader Football, Kevin Braybrook, says:

“We are always proud of the progression made by Football Studies students when they leave our course and pursue a career in industry, but those that can connect their passion with impact are really applying the key philosophy of our course.

“Shiraz embodies someone that has utilised the approach we adopt at Solent University, whereby the learning and teaching framework supports students in developing the tools required to differentiate themselves to enter the football sector. Our course strives to inspire our students, so we are so pleased that Shiraz's achievements can continue that inspiration and really demonstrate the skills and behaviours required for all students at Solent.”

From volunteering as a student to coaching as a professional, Shiraz’s impact has been cemented with his recent nomination as a No Room for Racism Icon, which highlights the contribution of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in football. Shiraz says:

“Whether it’s on or off the pitch, my goal is to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential.”

Find out more about football courses at Solent via www.solent.ac.uk/subjects/football.