Bradford is one of the nation’s most ethnically diverse cities and plays a crucial role in the integration of cultures.

The Asian communities in Bradford make up the majority of the ethnic population but the one thing the city’s different cultures share is their love for sport.

The soaring levels of local participation are undeniably astounding, with youngsters determined to play – from using their schoolbags as goalposts to dustbins as wickets.

So why aren’t these individuals expressing the passion they so clearly have?

The question is often raised: with two great sides in the Bantams and the Bulls, why is it that the support of the Asian contingency continues to elude the city’s elite clubs.

The Coral Windows Stadium is jam-packed every other Saturday afternoon with the City faithful who gather in numbers, however, in the midst of this crowd are a diminutive number of Asian faces.

This is a worrying spectacle, no more so than for City’s very own Asian star Zesh Rehman.

The sturdy centre-half is the only Asian player to represent clubs in all four professional leagues.

He explained: “Many Asians are put off furthering themselves in the sport. It is a combination of negative stereotypes and a lack of role models.

“Previously, there was no one at the club for them to associate with, now we have a host of Asian backing at City.”

City unveiled their first Asian associate director in July.

Lutfur Rahman’s Manningham-based company Adworx Printing run Rehman’s personal website and he has got to know the player well since he came to Valley Parade.

He follows in the footsteps of the big defender and City ambassador Omar Khan by increasing the Asian influence within the club.

Rehman, 27, has a Pakistani upbringing and also represents the Pakistan national side.

He, along with the rest of the Bantams, would benefit immensely with the support of the Asian community.

Certainly, it would be an even more overwhelming prospect for the opposition if an extra few thousand fans boosted the crowd from 11,500 to around 14,000 for every Valley Parade home game.

“I am seeing an incline in support from our Asian fans,” said Rehman. “They are a part of this City and it is their club. Bradford are a massive club and with the likes of myself, Lutfur and Omar here we hope the support will grow.”

Many youths express their support for other teams but even so, around the grounds of Old Trafford and Anfield the Asian supporters barely fill the stands.

Rehman insists Bradford are the club to watch.

“Ticket prices are great, you should come and support your local club and feel a part of the experience. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

The Bantams defender urges the potential Asian fans of the future to integrate and says they can benefit their game by playing in mixed leagues. “They should be determined to succeed and make a difference – the main thing is integration. It’s about achieving results.”

With the expected launch of his very own football foundation in Bradford next year, Rehman hopes to create opportunities for everyone, not just the Asian community.

The scheme aims to help young people improve themselves as well-rounded individuals.

As City continue to top the attendance averages in League Two, the lack of Asian involvement is clearly visible but there is now a new hope that we could be nearing a turning point.

Ambassadors like Rehman and Khan are pushing the club and the city towards a bigger and brighter future.