World Cup fever hits the Kashmir Youth Project

Kashmir Youth Project (KYP) opened their doors to the community in Rochdale for the World Cup Final screening on Sunday 9th July. Mohammed Asad, the Project Manager for Sports For All, came up with the initiative. He explains "We approached Mr Fulat, (Manager at KYP) regarding inviting communities of all faiths and background to KYP, to watch the Final on a large screen. He said yes immediately. However, since then Julie Durrant of Sport Development, together with Deen 4 All Ltd and the Rev'd James Read joined us and we were able to put together an enjoyable evening for everyone."

Mr Fulat, who himself received special recognition for his Services to the Community, earlier this year at a Town Hall ceremony, added "This was an excellent idea. Everyone had a wonderful time and with so many young people smiling and enjoying the event, it means we are indeed doing our job for the residents in our Town."

Deen 4 All Limited, organisers of several community multi faith events in Rochdale, were approached to put the event together. Mr Saleem Ahmed, the Marketing Director for Deen 4 All Ltd explains "We aimed to ensure it was a fun evening for one of the poorest communities in Rochdale. We had young, old, male and females attending. The work is worthwhile when you are able to see so many young people smiling and cheering. We gave away football related prizes absolutely free. In addition, we also ran competitions for young people to win tickets for the upcoming England v Pakistan cricket. We had around 150 in attendance. By having Councillors and the local MP attending and showing their support was also nice to see."

Mr Asif Rafiq, the Chair of Sports For All added "a lot of young people were here this evening. If they were not here, these lads would be out on the streets. I would like to thank KYP and in particular Mr Fulat and Mr Jamal for their support. Without them this would not have taken place. It is also important to note the donations from Tesco's and Rochdale Football Club. We are grateful to them as we are to Advance Tec Ltd for donating a free laptop. The MP was on hand to present a laptop to one lucky winner and we thank Advance Tec Ltd for their kind donation."

Councillor Paul Rowen MP added "I am happy to support initiatives where you have a community centre, working alongside voluntary organisations and local businesses. These are the partnerships that lead to building successful communities. We need to ensure young people in our deprived communities enjoy an event, in a safe, friendly environment. I congratulate KYP, Sports For All and everyone involved for their hard work."

Rochdale Football Club donated football related equipment. A statement from their Marketing Division read as follows "There are 20,000 Asians in Rochdale. We need their support. Rochdale Football Club is looking at ways to welcoming our Asian community to the Club. Supporting KYP, Deen 4 All and Sports For All is a start to what we hope will result in many more Asians supporting Rochdale, as passionately as they provide support to England, Pakistan or India cricket teams."

The organisers are grateful for the support from the media as well as Rev James Reed. The event was a success and already consideration is being made as to whether to show one of the England V Pakistan's one day internationals at KYP. A decision will be made in the next week or so following full consultation with KYP.