Soccer Aid 2010 Radio Advert

Sports 4 All, (SFA) a Rochdale-based, volunteer–led sports and faith group, together with Rochdale Police, held their fourth Alliance football match at Springhill football ground in Rochdale on Sunday 27thJune 2010. The match was organised to celebrate the progress
of community cohesion between Rochdale Police and the local Muslim community.

John O Hare, Chief Superiintendent of Rochdale police, showed his own support for the match by both playing for the Police team and attending the after match presentation/lunch that was held at Deeplish Community Centre.

Youths and men from various local Mosques represented the effective Muslim community of Rochdale.

The SFA team got off to a flying start, playing with high tempo. Their effort was rewarded almost immediately with Mohammed Malik, captain of the SFA team, scoring the opening goal. Mohammed who lives in Belfield, Rochdale, is a good example of how cooperative
unity produces a range of positive outcomes. He played in the first Alliance match and has now gone on to successfully join Greater Manchester Police.

The SFA team enjoyed the best of the chances in the first half, with the midfield being well marshalled by Azmat Khan, the Community Cohesion Officer for Great Places Housing Group. In the second half, Ajaz Hussain immediately put the SFA team 2 – 0. The Police team rallied and were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute, which Scott McLaughlin calmly
slotted in.

This only appeared to motivate the SFA team who retained their two-goal advantage with a fine goal by Jabbar Khan. As the match progressed, the Police team fitness began to show as they began to win the 50-50 balls. However, a break away goal from man of the
match Jabbar made it 4 – 1, with the Police team pulling a consolation goal towards the end.

The final score of 4 – 2 to the SFA team resulted in this being their first victory in four years, as Rochdale Police team had won the previous three encounters.

At the after-match reception, Commander John O’Hare commented, “It was a fair result – but, above all, this is a regular partnership that demonstrates how sport can be used as a vehicle to bring everyone together and promote dialogue between all our communities.”

Mohammed Malik said, “I joined the police because I wanted to put something back into the community. Today was about continuing to build practical opportunities for the police to get to know the grassroots Asian community, and visa versa. We share a unique relationship with the Police and are building important relationships off the pitch.”

Mr Azmat Khan, who has been involved in all four matches added, “We had a good mix of young and mature members of the community playing today. I am absolutely delighted with the efforts. For me, this is for a superb cause and the result is less important than the reason – although it is good to finally win a match against the Police! ”

Councillor Mohammed Sharif, the Cabinet Community Cohesion Portfolio holder together with fellow councillors Shah Wazir, Farooq Ahmed and the recently elected MP Simon Danczuk lent their support to the Alliance match. Councillor Sharif, stated, “As the Cabinet
Community Cohesion Portfolio holder, it gives me enormous pleasure to see younger people from the Muslim communities playing such an influential part in continuing to make this town a strong example of cohesion-in-action for others to emulate. We have a lot of exceptional people of all ages within our diverse communities. I feel fortunate to have been involved in all of these matches to date. I believe it is one of the most important initiatives we have running in Rochdale, and we all look forward to continuing the Alliance Shield programme between Rochdale Police and Sports 4 All.”

Simon Danczuk MP commented, “Both teams played extremely well and gave the spectators an enjoyable game to watch. I know I have to stay impartial but with the police winning the last three years it is great Sports For All won this time.”

Mr Danczuk added “It’s a great initiative and part of the closer links, both on a professional and informal basis, that have developed between Rochdale police and the local communities. I congratulate everyone involved for continuing to produce such events which have enabled our town to be genuine winners in the field of cohesive communities.”

Mohammed Nazir of Sports 4 All, concluded: – “While everyone involved helped make this project a success, we particularly wish to thank – Firstly, the team manager for Rochdale Police division’s football team, Inspector Darrell Butterworth. Secondly, John Mason of
Link 4 Life, for doing a 1st-class job in organising facilities to enable the match to be played. Thirdly, Sohail Ahmed for allowing us to use the facilities at Deeplish Community Centre for the after match presentation dinner and a special warm “Thank You” to Cindy Bottomley and, conclusively, to Jan Hargreaves, our local Community Relations Officer from GM Police. Both women have enthusiastically given up their time to provide excellent all-round support, year on year. They have done this with unreserved goodwill – for which we are all exceedingly grateful.”

End of Press Release

Note to Editor:

Any questions on this event please contact Hanief Mohammed, SFA’s communication officer on 07949 197140 or haniefmohammed@sky.com/hanief@sport4all.org.uk

This year’s awards began with a special tribute to Mr Ismail Fulat of the Kashmiri Youth Project who worked tirelessly with Sports For All for many years before his death in December 2009. His son Hussain was presented with a plaque in memory of his father from Sports For All.

In a very fitting piece Mr Andy Zuntz, Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, described Mr Fulat as an ‘inspiration’ he said: “Ismail was a dear friend, it is an honour to have known him and work with him over the years. He was the best kind of friend to have, very courteous, honest and caring and I always looked forward to seeing him.”

The evening then proceeded with a series of awards presented to the young people of the borough in front of friends, family and various dignitaries, including Paul Rowen MP and the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale .

Sports For All is also involved with the Alliance scheme, bringing the police and local people together – in the form of a football match.

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare explained that Sports For All is about a lot more than just sport, he said: “This is a common ground for all ages and it enables people to have something to focus on, a sense of competing, success, passion and enjoyment.

“We are able to focus on the people of this borough, and we want to make a difference.”

A particularly special award for ‘Services to the Community’ was presented to Mr Mohammad Sharif Baleem for all the hard work he has put into working with young people within the borough over many many years. Mr Baleem didn’t attend the whole event due to illness but his family brought him in in his wheel chair at the time of the award.

In a tribute Paul Rowen told the audience: “Part of my job means I am able to meet the unsung heroes of our borough and those who work behind the scenes to make the town what it is, it is a pleasure and an honour to have been asked to speak about Mr Baleem who I have worked with for over 25 years.

“He is a man ahead of his time and a true pioneer Mr Baleem has always delivered he has always been reliable and he has always had a strong presence.”

As he collected his award Mr Baleem, said: “Thank you for remembering me for what I have done, I never did it for personal gain my idea was for communities to come together. There has been problems but I tried my best to solve those problems.”

Following the formal part of the evening, the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Keith Swift, said: “This is another great success for Sports For All, they have made such a big difference to the borough.”

Paul Rowen MP, said: “Sports For All do a fantastic job working with the young people in the borough.”

Asif Rafiq The Chair of Sports For All, said: “It was delightful to see so many people support, mingle and enjoy the focus on community cohesion in Rochdale that utterly negates those people who say it doesn’t and can’t happen.

“Mohammed Baleem’s award and the tribute to Ismail Fulet also reminds us of what can be achieved by pulling and working together. Our aim is to strengthen community cohesion and we will continue to take inspiration from both memory of our dear friend the late Ismail Fulat and community champions such as Mohammed Sharif Baleem.”

Awards:

• Alliance Shield Winner: Rochdale Police team
• Alliance Shield Runner up: Sports For All faith team
• Alliance Shield Man of the Match: Esrar Khan
• 5-a-side football ‘Golden Cup’ Bradford All Stars
• Cricket Tournament 6-a-side Winner: Idara All Stars
• Cricket Tournament 6-a-side Runner up: Halifax Tigers
• Cricket Tournament 6-a-side Man of the Match: Abdullah
• Partnership Award: Roca Juniors Football Club
• Lifetime services to community: Mohammad Sharif Baleem
• Community recognition: Dean Sorah
• Services to young people: Ibrar Khan

Sports For All is a voluntary organisation, its main aims are to encourage community cohesion, integrate the deprived and vulnerable into society, promote health and fitness and provide skills and recognition.

[Rochdale Online]

[Newspaper cutting]

The SFA team got off to an excellent start, with Jabar Khan scoring the opening goal. The police team were then frustrated by an inspired ‘man of the match’ performance from the SFA Goalkeeper, Esrar Ali Khan, but even he could do nothing about a deserved equaliser from Scott McLaughlin. Scott headed in from the corner just minutes before half time.
In the second half, the match was heading for a penalty shoot out when, with 15 minutes to go, the police team were awarded a penalty. John Foster calmly slotted home the penalty. Within two minutes of the restart the police team received another penalty for a handball which John Foster, playing a captain’s role, calmly netted home to make it 3-1.
The SFA team, rather than accept the defeat, rallied and produced a fine goal from Asad Mahmood. With the clock ticking away, the SFA team looked to have worked an equaliser, but the goal was disallowed for off-side. SFA team continued to push up and hit the woodwork twice in the final few minutes. The Rochdale Police team desperately held on to make it three Alliance victories in a row.

Mohammed Malik captained the Sports 4 All team. Mohammed played in the first Alliance Community match and has now joined Greater Manchester Police. Mohammed said, “I joined the police because I wanted to put something back into the community. Today was about continuing to build practical opportunities for the police to get to know the grassroots Asian community, and for the Asian community members to get to know them. We are building important relationships off the pitch.”

Mr Azmat Khan, Rochdale Football Club’s Community officer, managed the youth from the Muslim community. He commented, “Given these players never play together and some met for the first time for quite a while, they did extremely well. I am absolutely delighted with their efforts. For me given this was for a superb cause and, like in previous years, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Councillor Sharif stated, “As the Community Cohesion Portfolio holder, it gives me enormous pleasure to see young people from the Muslim community playing such an influential part in continuing to make this town a shining example/model of cohesion-in-action for others to emulate. We have a lot of exceptional people of all ages within our diverse communities. I feel fortunate to have been involved. We look forward to maintaining the Alliance Shield schedule between Rochdale Police and Sports 4 All.”
The Mayor Cllr Keith Swift commented, “Both teams played extremely well and gave the spectators an enjoyable game to watch. An exciting last few minutes saw the SFA team hit the bar, hit the post, had a goal disallowed for off side and had a shot land on the roof of the net! – Superb efforts by the young men. They looked a bit down hearted at the end, but they shouldn’t be. They did their communities proud.”
He continued, “ The get together afterwards at Deeplish Community Centre was a very welcome opportunity for both teams to have a chat over a good lunch, to discuss the near misses and make plans for next years’ game, which I am sure will be just as exciting. Thank you to the organisers once again for putting on a splendid event that brings these people together.”
Paul Rowen MP added, “The game is an annual event and is a great advertisement for the closer links, both on a professional and informal basis, that have developed between the police and the local communities. I congratulate both the Police and Sports 4 All teams, as well as those at Deeplish Community Centre for continuing to produce events which enable our town to be genuine winners in the field of community cohesion”
Mohammed Nazir, on behalf of Sports 4 All, concluded: “While everyone involved helped make this project a success, we particularly wish to thank four people: – Firstly, the team managers for Rochdale Police division’s football team, Inspector Darrell Butterworth, and Azmat Khan for Sports 4 All. Secondly, former Commander, Peter Mason, for both refereeing the game and then being the M.C. at the after-match reception. Finally, a special warm ‘Thank You’ to match sponsor Deeplish Community Centre. This centre well serves the community of Rochdale. Mr Sohail Ahmed, the Centre’s manager, enthusiastically gave up his day off to ensure everything went well. He arranged so much, with unreserved goodwill, for which we are all exceedingly grateful.”

End of Press Release

Dean Sorah of both Link 4 Life and CLBC commented,” I was aware of the work SFA undertakes at grassroots level. It was the ideal organisation for me to approach to enable me to reach out to the BME communities and get them interested and involved in playing Basketball.”

Asif Rafiq, the Chair of SFA, stated, “We have always enjoyed a good relationship with Link 4 Life and have got to know their coaches. After Dean approached us, we put the word out and managed to arrange a couple of training sessions. A few of the lads now wish to continue developing their skills in Basketball and we look forward to them doing that with CLBC.”

Hanief Mohammed, one of the organisers added, “Just watching CLBC moving the ball around and working as a unit was a good learning curve. We empower young men with key skills, such as team work, discipline and organisation skills, and hope they find them useful in the mainstream communities they live in. The bonus today was that some of these young men wish to develop their Basketball skills even further.”

Steve Lavallee who coaches both the junior and senior teams for CLBC commented, ”As a club it is important to stretch out to any hard-to-reach communities and invite men and women of all ages and backgrounds to come and enjoy a sport that can provide them with so many different skills. I am pleased after today’s event, that some lads from SFA will be visiting us and extend their skills and our club further.”

A further friendly fixture is being organised between the two organisations in November 2009. CLBC run their training sessions on Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. for Juniors and 8-10 p.m. for adults. The new season starts on the 1st September 2009. Anyone interested in learning and/or developing their skills in Basketball should contact Steve Lavallee onlavalleefamily@btinternet.com.

Sports For All run three sports clubs a week. They also act as mentors to two women’s clubs. Anyone interested in staying healthy by enjoying football, indoor cricket, Martial Arts and Basketball should contact hanief@sport4all.org.uk.

As for the match, it was played in a jovial atmosphere with both teams enjoying the spirit of the other. CLBC ran out winners 69-35, with John Howarth voted the man of the match for his outstanding all-round contribution.

END OF PRESS RELEASE

Any questions on the above, please contract Hanief Mohammed by email on either hanief@sport4all.org.uk or haniefmohammed@sky.com or 07949 197140

It was an evening when everyone came together to celebrate the sporting success, teamwork and achievements of young & diverse people from the various regions within Greater Manchester, and particularly from Rochdale borough.
The evening began with a minute’s silence to remember those who have passed away in the crises in the Middle East. Sports For All organised a Soccer Aid 2008 tournament, which raised £500.00. The Winners of the tournament were Sparth FC, who received their medals and trophy from the Mayor of Rochdale and RMB Community Cohesion Portfolio Holder Cllr Mohammad Sharif. A special award was given to Wardleworth Allstars. The team is mentored by Azmat Khan of Rochdale Football Club, who won the fair play award for their excellent sportsmanship during the competition.
The Mayor and Mayoress, together with Cllr Sharif, presented a cheque on behalf of SFA to Islamic Relief. Mr Nawaz Moin, Fundraising Manager for Sports For All, said, “Given the UN reports that there is now a major humanitarian crises in Palestine, we decided to donate all monies raised from the tournament to help those in need of food, water, clothing, medical aid and shelter in that region.”
Mohammed Zarafat from Rochdale Youth Service introduced the Badminton tournament which was held in the summer of 2008. Many young players from across Lancashire entered the sports event. Some of the outstanding achievers were in the Under 13 category, including Miss Kiera Walsh of Rochdale, who won the singles competition. Aftab Iqbal of Manchester Cheetham Hill Club won the under 19’s. Paul Barker & Jamie Morgan of Springhill badminton club saw off stiff competition to win the Doubles.
Sports For All events are also focused towards strengthening community cohesion within Rochdale. An example of Sports For All being involved in ‘building ties’ across the wider community was the Alliance Shield match. This was played in July 2008. Peter Mason, the Commander of GM Rochdale Police, explained that the initiative was for the local police to build closer alliances with the effective Muslim community, and the annual football matches are part of this successful process. The police won the match 3-2.
Inspector Darrell Butterworth collected the Alliance Shield on behalf of the Police team from the respected MPs, Jim Dobbin and Paul Rowen.

Simon Danczuk, the Parliamentary Candidate for Labour Party in Rochdale and Director of Vision Twentyone, introduced the international cricket community cohesion project. SFA alongside a number of organisations, coordinated a Sports & Community Festival in July 2008 that involved hosting the Kenya National Cricket Team and a Sports For All Select X1. Mr Danczuk expressed his pleasure at contributing in this project, which helped to ensure that the enterprise in July 2008 was a collective success for the community. Almost a 1000 people watched a SFA Select X1 take on the Kenya Cricket team at Rochdale Cricket Club. The match bought together people from all sectors and walks of life.

Mr Danczuk also stated he will shortly be looking to set up a youth panel to best understand and meet the needs of young people in the field of sports and community cohesion.

Sports For All presented a gift to each of its partners in the Kenya project, whose valuable contributions ensured the project was a huge success story.
Eastern Magic won the Indoor Cricket Tournament. They also received the Fair Play award for their excellent sportsmanship during the August 2008 tournament. The awards were presented by Cllr Jean Ashworth and KYP Chairperson Anjum Rashid to the team’s manager Mohammed Saleem.

Pauline Maher, who has retired after providing over 20 years of youth service to young people in Manchester, received an award for her exceptional contribution. Andrew Entwistle was also presented with an award by SFA’s Mohammed Moheed. Mohammed explained that Mr Entwistle, while Manager at Springhill Sports Centre over the past three years, has made valuable behind the scene contributions to enable a youth club to successfully run there on a weekly weekend basis. Mr Entwistle also went the ‘extra mile’ to ensure that other community projects, including the Alliance and Unity Shields, have been a success. Mohammed concluded, “Mr Entwistle has now gone to work in Middleton, where we know he will be a real asset.”
Phil Greenwood spoke of the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service involvement with local community groups. Mr Greenwood explained how, by using sports as a vehicle, his service is able to promote health, safety and highlight risks and dangers to young people. He received a warm round of applause in appreciation of the efforts the Rochdale Fire Service has made towards community cohesion and promoting safety with young people.

The next award presented on the evening was the Young Sports Achiever for 2008. The award was presented to Keira Walsh. SFA explained that at 11 yrs of age, Keira has already represented Rochdale in swimming, netball and badminton. In addition, she has played cricket for Lancashire Cricket Club and Football for Blackburn Rovers, where their coaches believe she is destined to play for England.

Keira is now focusing her efforts on football with Rovers and on badminton – where she has been signed up to play at County level. She is an extremely gifted young athlete who is destined for higher achievements.

The main award during the evening was for Services to the Community. The award was presented to Peter Mason, the Chief Superintendent of GM Rochdale Police, by the Mayor of Rochdale and by Peter Fahy, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police. Borough organisations in the fields of faith, sports and community cohesion voted for Mr Mason, who is set to retire shortly. Mr Mason – who looked surprised – found his feet, thanked everyone for their support, and paid genuine and frank tribute to his own police service and to all the organisations that have supported him in building safer communities.

Councillor Mohammad Sharif commented that the community will miss Mr Mason’s honesty, humour and hard work, which have resulted in him inspiring, influencing and bringing communities together to tackle community concerns and interests. Mr Sohail Ahmed from Deeplish Community Centre, along with the evening’s sponsors Kashmir Youth Project, both commented, “We know occasions where Mr Mason would personally stay behind until late in the evenings, to ensure key issues and any unease were adequately addressed. We cannot think of a more deserving person in the community to receive this award. He truly deserves the accolade and SFA were right to mention that he will be missed.”

All the winners from various sections of the borough community collected certificates of achievements and awards personally signed by Jim Dobbin MP and Paul Rowen MP, as well as by Cllr Mohammad Sharif and the Mayor of Rochdale.
Asif Rafiq of Sport For All stated, “This is our ninth year in regards to running sporting activities with the aim to strengthen community cohesion. We involve young people, men and women of all ages, ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds. We don’t know of many other groups out there as diverse as we are – it is what makes Sports For All unique. The work we carry out is on a voluntary unpaid basis and therefore those colleagues who organise these activities, and encourage people to take part in them, are our real community champions. “

The full list of winners were

SFA 2008 (five a side) Soccer Aid Tournament

Winners Sparth FC
Fair Play Winners: Wardleworth All Stars
SFA Badminton Winners

Under 13

Kiera Walsh

Under 13 Doubles:
Mohammed Bilal & David Matthew
Under 16 Girls:
Georgina Davies

Under 16

Winner: Mr Haider Ali
Under 16 Doubles:
Haider Ali and Remo Datta

Under 19

Winner: Aftab Iqbal
Under 19 Doubles:
Paul Barker & Jamie Morgan

Alliance Trophy
2008 Champions: Rochdale Police Team

Sports & Community Recognition Awards

Ms Pauline Maher – Manchester Youth Service

Mr Andrew Entwistle – Manager Link 4 Life

Young Sports Achiever Award for 2008
Kiera Walsh

Services to the Community
GM Police Chief Superintendent Peter Mason

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End of Press Release
For further information, please contact Hanief Mohammed, SFA Communications officer, on 07949 197140 – hanief@sport4all.org.uk