Football match aims to improve community cohesion

Date published: 04/09/2007

Deen For All, a Rochdale-based multi faith group, together with Rochdale Police, will hold a 'friendly' football match, to continue the development of community cohesion on Sunday 9 September 2007 at Springhill Sports Centre football pitch on Turf Hill Road in Rochdale. The kick off is at 11.00a.m. Youths from various Mosques will represent the effective Muslim community of Rochdale.

Mr. Salem Ahmed, the Marketing Director for Deen For All, explained: "We were contacted by a senior officer, describing how the Police wish to play a part in getting to know all our communities better. We already play the Rochdale Council in the Unity shield every year, so we are happy to play a role in improving relations between ourselves and the Police. The match was scheduled in June but the poor weather delayed the event until this weekend.

"The youth want to send out a positive message to the community; namely that they are working as hard as anyone to ensure that Muslim community relationships with various bodies are as sound as one can hope for.

"We have invited Presidents of two principal Mosques in Rochdale (Haji Farooq of Bilal Mosque and Mr. Tahir from the Golden Mosque) to attend, and they have agreed to support this unique event. Mr. Sohail Ahmed, a highly respected community activist who manages the popular Deeplish Community Centre, has also agreed to assist. We are fortunate to have the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, along with Councillor Mohammed Sharif, supporting the initiative as well.

"The Muslim community feels it is important the Police know who to contact, and visa versa. Strengthening relationships between these two sections of our local community is generally 'the goal' of both groups!"

Chief Superintendent Peter Mason, head of Policing for the Rochdale Borough, said: "When I heard about the proposal to hold a community football match between the Rochdale divisional football team and young people from the local Mosques, I wanted to ensure that those involved knew that the event had the full support of the Rochdale Police Command Team. As a keen sports person, I see the playing of sport of any kind to be an ideal avenue to break down barriers and misconceptions on all sides. I am sure the game will be played in the right spirit and will fulfil those ideals. I wish the event every success and, who knows, I may even be selected to be part of the Police team!"

Those wishing to support the match are encouraged to attend. 
 
Mr Azmat Khan, Rochdale Football Club’s Community football officer, will manage the Faith team. Mr. Khan commented: "I was asked whether I could manage a group of 18 players who have never played together before, and who come from various communities / Mosques within the Borough. It is quite a challenge and, given that it is for a just cause, I am looking forward to it!"

Team manager for the Rochdale divisional football side, Inspector Darrell Butterworth of the Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "I have been amazed by the response from the Police team to take part in this match. All the players are enthusiastic about it and are keen to be involved. My biggest headache will be team selection, as so many officers have asked to play.   We are looking forward to the match following our successes last season in winning the Chief Constable’s trophy and finishing in third place in the Greater Manchester Police football league. I hope that this first game for the Alliance Trophy will be the start of many other sporting events."