Conversations with Faid Salmoon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Faid Salmoon.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Faid Salmoon, and was born in the heart of Baghdad, Iraq. I currently identify as a British-Iraqi national, and this is my story. My football journey commenced when I relocated to the UK as a refugee at the age of 6. Football became my primary means of self-expression in a new and unfamiliar environment. As a child, I had to relocate 12 schools before the age of 11 years old. Throughout this time, I continually played football wherever and whenever possible. As a teenager, I represented the county of Brent in the London Youth Games, played for Kinja WFC (Women’s Football Club), and was scouted by Arsenal WFC and Tottenham Youth Academy. However, due to being a first-generation immigrant, football was recognized as a hobby and not a viable career option by my parents. As a result, I needed to have a professional career that was in academia and majored in Pharmacy. 

During my time studying at the University of Reading, I played for the women’s team, including varsity, and later in the university, I began my coaching journey. 

My educational background has uniquely equipped me, blending my medical knowledge with football expertise, particularly in areas like coaching injury prevention and health education. 

Currently, I am passionately engaged in voluntarily coaching children at LA FC in Los Angeles, drawing upon the experiences and insights gained from my time in the UK. My aim is to nurture and develop these young players, with the ultimate goal of seeing one of them grace the field alongside legends like Messi in the MLS. 

Looking ahead, my aspirations extend beyond coaching on the pitch. I envision establishing a non-profit organization tailored to empowering Middle Eastern children, particularly young girls, leveraging football as a tool for personal growth and empowerment. Furthermore, I am driven to rebuild and coach the Iraq Women’s Team, guiding them to compete at the highest levels on the international stage. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some struggles include:  

-First-generation refugee (issues include first-generation college student, parent’s native language other than English, and member of an under-represented ethnic group) 

-Transportation limitations at youth age (dependent on single parent (transportation not a priority) unable to accept football opportunities) 

-Raised by single parent/single head of household (single mother) 

-Economically disadvantaged upbringing 

-Football was free (for all in UK) 

-Women is sports (severely underpaid) 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an avid foot enthusiast who watches the sport, plays the sport, coaches and processes comprehensive knowledge on football. I am most proud of my time at Manchester United as this is the team I have supported as a child. What sets me apart from others is my professional experience in the field and my determination, resilience and handwork. I pride myself on giving back to the community through my knowledge and talents. 

Volunteer Coach at Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) · Full-time Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) 

• Volunteer coaching and facilitating the Roots Program (Ages 2-5), Pre-Club (Ages 5-7), and league teams at LA FC So Cal Youth

• Volunteer coaching and facilitating the Roots Program (Ages 2-5), Pre-Club (Ages 5-7), and league teams at LA FC So Cal Youth

Football Coach at St Thomas the Apostle Syriac Orthodox Church 

• Non-profit program founder and lead – Faids Football Club (Youth aged 2-16 years old) with hundreds of participants over the years

• Non-profit program founder and lead – Faids Football Club (Youth aged 2-16 years old) with hundreds of participants over the years

Coach at Manchester United · InternshipManchester United · Internship 

• Worked alongside professional coaches at Manchester United

• Worked alongside professional coaches at Manchester United

Assistant Football Coach at University of Reading 

• Assistant Coach for Women’s Team, Private and Team Coaching, Counsellor, and Lifestyle Coach / Worked both on and off the field, i.e. via Zoom & Classroom.

• Assistant Coach for Women’s Team, Private and Team Coaching, Counsellor, and Lifestyle Coach / Worked both on and off the field, i.e. via Zoom & Classroom.

Sales Assistant at Sports Direct 

• Customer service and sales skills while selling football boots, football kits, and general athletic wear. Working on tills, delivery/restock, and price checking

• Customer service and sales skills while selling football boots, football kits, and general athletic wear. Working on tills, delivery/restock, and price checking

Football Coach at St Gregory’s Catholic Science College 

• Internship at St Gregory’s Catholic Science College

• Student Coach Volunteer for girls U13, U12 and U11 alongside PE teacher

• Student Coach Volunteer for girls U13, U12 and U11 alongside PE teacher

Football Player at KINJA FC 

• Women’s Football Player and Captain For Kinja FC

• Women’s Football Player and Captain For Kinja FC

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
As a Londoner in Los Angeles, I appreciate the sunny weather, diverse culture, scenic views, and vibrant entertainment scene, but the heavy traffic can be challenging to navigate. Additionally, American food’s tendency towards large portions and high-fat content is quite different from what I’m accustomed to back home. Moreover, the lack of accessible football fields or back gardens for recreational activities is noticeable and something I miss from London. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.coachfaid.com
• Instagram: @coachfaid_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/faidsalmoon1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faid-salmoon-6189262b0?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@coachfaid

Image Credits
WolfPax Photography