Indo-Canadians allege soccer discrimination

A football association has been accused of discriminating against kids of Indo-Canadians.

A football association in British Columbia has been accused of discriminating against children of Indo-Canadians and other ethnic minority groups.

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The parents have alleged that the practice has been going on for years within the Surrey Metro Soccer Association.

"We're seen as outsiders in their clubs. When it comes to coaching appointment time, there is unfairness and there are no checks and balances," said soccer coach Sukhi Sandhu, whose children play in the Surrey Soccer League.

He said over half the players in the league are South Asian children, but the makeup of the board of directors does not reflect that.

"We're not saying this should be symbolic. It should be on merit. We've got a number of capable people from different communities," he added.

The group has approached New Democrat legislator Harry Bains for help, CBC News reported.

"I have asked British Columbia Sport Minister Stan Hagen to have his officials investigate because the feud is hurting the children," Bains said.

"Even if it's just a perception of systemic discrimination, it's their job to make sure that perception is removed," he added.