Umer Khan was awarded a grant last year from the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ Community Champions Fund, to commence a group that helps deliver regular educational and sports activities to many Muslim children in the Prestwich area.
Umer Khan said:
I am delighted to have been recognised for this award. As an Asian person growing up I experienced first hand the culture clash many young people go through and have seen the consequences of this through my work. I wanted to do something to help bridge the gap and give young people an opportunity to express themselves through sport whilst encouraging them to feel proud of who they are.
Cultural understanding and tolerance is also an important element of the group. We try to help young people to understand and respect themselves and the culture they live in but to also respect other faiths and cultures. In fact we are seeking to hold an inter faith football tournament in the coming weeks to promote dialogue with Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities. ‘
The group play regular football matches and have recently branched out into educational trips with recent excursions to the Blue Planet Aquarium and the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. Alongside sport the group has a wider aim to help young people realise their potential, achieve their aspirations and prevent young people from becoming involved in drugs or crime.
