Iqra Ismail

Iqra Ismail is a pioneering figure in the world of football, who is passionate about making football accessible to all. Currently the Female Refugee Project Coordinator for QPR In The Community Trust, Iqra champions football players from underrepresented groups. Engaging women and girls in football, Iqra gives people the opportunity to play football in a safe and comfortable environment. Now hired as a keynote speaker, Iqra is a popular choice when looking to empower diversity, equity and inclusion not only in football but also in society as a whole.

Iqra entered the world of football as an Assistant Football Coach for the University of Portsmouth Football Academy U12 Girls. This experience ignited Iqra’s passion for women’s involvement in football, and she has since made it her mission to ensure that women and girls have equal playing opportunities. In 2019, Iqra became a Football Coach for the Galbur Foundation, running the Hijabi Footy Fun sessions for 11-16-year-old girls, before she became the Founder and Director of the NUR Women’s Football Club – a sports organisation aimed at increasing BAME female participation in football. In 2022, Iqra became an NCS Officer for the West Ham United Foundation, before spending time working as a Community Manager for Football Beyond Borders.

Iqra’s impact on football has been significant, and she is now renowned as being the first-ever captain of the Somali Women’s National Team. She also spent nearly four years as the Director of Womens Football for Hilltop Football Club, engaging BAME women to play football in a safe and comfortable environment. Now working on the Female Refugee Football Project for QPR In The Community, Iqra’s passion for representing marginalised groups in mainstream sport is emphasised. In honour of her commitment to EDI in football, Iqra was the youngest person to win a Football Black List Award, celebrating black excellence in English football, and was also named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list for Sports and Games. 

Now hired as a keynote speaker, Iqra Ismail spreads the message that the work done off the pitch to make football more accessible is just as important as the work done on the pitch. Passionate about diversity and inclusion in football, Iqra in particular campaigns for the representation of Muslim women in football. Welcoming players from underrepresented groups, managing diverse teams and supporting inclusive coaching, Iqra is truly inspirational – having also featured on Pepsi cans as part of their Play to Inspire sponsorship. If you are looking for a speaker who is a passionate advocate for EDI and representation in sports, hire Iqra Ismail today!