Judan Ali

Early life and career

Ali was born in Brick Lane, Tower Hamlets, London. He, of asian ancestry, at first used"Jordan" instead of his own first name and underwent several unfruitful trials at English clubs. He was taken on by Arsenal F.C., having a two year stint at the club's academy. He then had a spell at the La Masia Academy of Barcelona. His experiences whilst there were eventually added to his coaching philosophy altogether. Ali went on to sign for Spanish outfit Murcia with whom he forged a professional career.

Youth coaching

In the summer of 2011, Ali assembled a team of Asian players, aged under-15, to compete in the Arsenal International Soccer Festival. The team of 16, which was selected from 20,000 hopefuls, unexpectedly won the under-15 category at the Royal Holloway University.

In March 2013, Ali was appointed Head of Elite Football Development in Taiwan. Ali and the Chinese Taipei Football Association say the aim is to implement a long-term structure to get all Taiwan's age groups to their respective world championships. Ali says he intends to qualify all the Chinese Taipei age specific football teams to World Cup Finals.

In April 2015 Ali joined the coaching staff of Kitchee SC who play in the Hong Kong Premier League.

FA – The COACH Bursary Scheme

Ali is currently (on-going) partaking in the Football Association's COACH scheme aimed at professionals from under-represented groups.

Saint Kitts & Nevis Football Association

In April 2012, Ali was invited to train the St Kitts and Nevis men's, under-17 and under-20 national teams for 10 days. The teams were both training for their upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

Latvia Football Federation

In November 2012, Ali traveled to oversee the A-UEFA coaching masterclass course for Latvian coaches.

IA Akranes Football Club Iceland

In November 2012 Ali visitied the beautiful Volanic Islands of Iceland to deliver his masterclass coaching sessions to Icelandic coaches.

Blackburn Rovers F.C.

In December 2012, there was media speculation that Ali might be appointed to replace Henning Berg as manager at Blackburn Rovers. Judan Ali denied any involvement as the manager and says that he was invited by the owners as part of his coaching development programme.

Chinese Taipei National Football Team (Taiwan)

In March 2013, Ali was appointed Head of Elite Football Development in Taiwan. Ali and the Chinese Taipei Football Association say the aim is to implement a long-term structure to get all Taiwan's age groups to their respective world championships. Ali says he intends to qualify all the Chinese Taipei age specific football teams to World Cup Finals.

Kitchee Sports Club

In April 2015 Ali joined the coaching staff of Kitchee SC youth team.

National Indonesian Football Team

In March 2016 Judan Ali was appointed the Manager and Head Coach for the Indonesian National Army Football Team

Film

His attempts to forge a career in football were, in part, the inspiration for the 2007 Bollywood film Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. Ali was involved in casting for Bollywood movie.

Charity

In September 2007 Ali took part in Premier League All Stars football tournament for charity representing a Chelsea team alongside celebrities Ross Kemp and Omid Djalili.

In September 2012 The UK's Anti-Racism Educational Charity Show Racism the Red Card held a charity match spearheaded by Hollywood star Tamer Hassan and Shane Richie in which Ali was involved.