Bringing Rochdale Together!

Over 100 people attended a unique football match as a multi-faith team played a Rochdale Council Team. The event was organised by Rochdale Inner Area Sports for All Group is a voluntary fully constituted organisation run by young British Muslims from Golden, Alquba, Neeli, Bilal and Jamia Chestia Mosques. Mohammed Hanief, from Sports for All said, "It is vital to show that we can work and live together in harmony - this event was organised to portray a positive image after the awful atrocities in London. I think we demonstrated that no one - regardless of race, colour or faith condones any form of violence."

The match took place at Bowlee Community Park in Middleton - despite the driving rain - Mayor - Cllr. Ashley Dearnley attended with Councillors from all 3 political parties. Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen who tossed the coin at the start of the match said, "The event was superbly organised - I am proud to represent the multi-cultural town of Rochdale. I would like to pay tribute to the members of Rochdale Inner Area Sport's for All. They do so much to promote racial harmony in Rochdale - the Unity Football was just one in a series of high profile events they have organised."

It was end to end stuff as the Council Team ran away 5-0 winners - but the match was more competitive than the score line suggested. The Council Goalkeeper won the plaudits, making a number of fantastic saves. Mohammed Hanief said, "The result was insignificant - we sent a clear message that we refuse to let a handful of terrorists to affect the way we lead our lives.