Demise of Muslim Women’s Helpline proves spirit of Scrooge is alive

First generation Muslims worked longer hours, earned less, often in menial jobs, yet they supported causes with charity. The legacy of their open hearted donations has seen their children thrive like never before, yet the donations have dried up.

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Black & Ethnic Minority Coaches - What Future In Football

Emdad Rahman

Friday 30th March will see the David Beckham Academy host a discussion by Black and Ethnic Minority coaches pertaining to issues relating to their involvement in the game. The day is being put on as part of the celebrations for the bicentennial of the abolition of slavery and is free but you must register through contacting Zakir Issap at Kick It Out.

The Martin Shaw King Trust (MSKT), and Kick It Out, football’s anti- racism group are the main organisers of the days events, which will look at the issues faced by those from a minority background aspiring to work as grassroots or professional coaches.

Discussion points during the day will be based on themes such as - How the lack of BME coaches in the professional game will affect the aspirations of BME communities; Career pathways for young people; Opportunities in County FAs; Coaching at the grassroots; Coaching in the professional game.

Speakers will include FA National Youth Coach, Noel Blake, former Arsenal midfielder and now PFA coach Paul Davis, Tottenham Hotspur Academy coach Chris Ramsey, and FA consultant Brendon Batson.

A series of practical demonstrations have been organised for the afternoon.

Dr Colin King from the MSKT commented: “The under representation of black and ethnic minority managers and coaches in the professional game has been well documented. It is vital that we ensure that this is addressed with action.

“There is no shortage of interest from ethnic minorities in becoming a coach, but there are some serious concerns about what opportunities there are for them to climb the ladder in the profession.”

Piara Powar, Director of Kick It Out, added: “In bringing together aspiring ethnic minority coaches from both the grassroots and the professional game we are facilitating an important networking opportunity.

“The issues these coaches face need to be discussed and understood, to be addressed. We hope that the day helps to go someway in encouraging positive change and opening up opportunities in coaching.”

The event will attract a range of participants including youth leaders, teachers, coaches and coaching mentors.

www.kickitout.org.uk

Demise of Muslim Women’s Helpline proves spirit of Scrooge is alive

Emdad Rahman on 26/03/2007 09:20

The sorry state of the Muslim Women’s Helpline is down to the community's Scrooge-like mentality.

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London Marathon 2007: Days 16, 17 & 18

Three days of solid running. yesterday was a hoot. The Missus tried to persuade me not to go out in the snow. Being the resident hardman I refused pointblank to be swayed from my mission. By the time I had changed I had this damp feeling (gear wasn't absolutely dry). I had been chatting on the phone with my mate Mok (better known as Bennie five bellies), a regular feature on this blog, who was just leaving work. I promised him we'd hook up later and I'd accompany him to the Apple Store in Bluewater for a check up on his machine.

Anyway, whilst running miserably up Upney Lane, I shamefully allowed myself to think that I'd probably jack in the run if I saw Mok, who would have ben nearabouts, I would consider hitching a ride. As I was crossing Westrow Drive a green Astra pushed in and parked bang in front of me on the curb. I could hear the driver swear. Being renowned as a nifty dancer , Old snakehips (as they used to call me) bodyswerved effortlessly around the car. 'Expletive off, you expletive expletive' I screamed continuing my run. It was then I heard laughing (familiar) and lo and behold it was Tyrone the getaway driver himself. Anyway, I told him what I had been thinking and when being persuade, stod resolute with a firm no. It was only when he mentioned his Ma (My Gran)had returned from the Motherland, that I relented. I assure readers there was no other reason. I travelled to Mok's, had a slap up chicken and fish finger ensemble before driving his car home, instead of running. I sneaked in and luckily the Missus was upstairs, allowing me to dive into the shower. I emerged to find a banana milkshake waiting on the kitchen counter, which my missus had prepared earlier to help me recuperate energy after such a devastatingly long run. I obliged, couldn't let her go to waste, not to mention that the shake contained enough nourishment to feed the whole population of Bangladesh.

Before leaving for Mok and bluewater I bumped into Khalid Sharif, CEO of Ummah Foods who'd bought me a big box of Ummah choccies. (Just brilliant for my tough marathon regime - I'd promised Kerim, one of my pupils at school that I was on a strict seafood diet. What he didn't know was I had meant SEE FOOD! Geddit? He's not a reader, so I guess I'm safe. I narrated my story to Khalid, laughing , patting myself on a job well done whilst not realising my eldest Ismael was listening. Anyway, Ismael turned whistleblower, and the rest (Ahem) is history.

By the way Adidas haven't been in touch, and no!, nobody's seen the first pics of me modelling my new sports shades. Watch this space!

Pizza Hut trip for Amani Girls

The girls at Amani Foundation recently earned themselves a well deserved trip to Pizza Hut, which was just the excuse I needed to justifiably stuff my face.... again!!! Anyway, I'm running the marathon 2007 in case you hadn't guessed!!!! so it's ok!

London Marathon 2007: Days 16, 17 & 18

Three days of solid running. yesterday was a hoot. The Missus tried to persuade me not to go out in the snow. Being the resident hardman I refused pointblank to be swayed from my mission. By the time I had changed I had this damp feeling (gear wasn't absolutely dry). I had been chatting on the phone with my mate Mok (better known as Bennie five bellies), a regular feature on this blog, who was just leaving work. I promised him we'd hook up later and I'd accompany him to the Apple Store in Bluewater for a check up on his machine.

Anyway, whilst running miserably up Upney Lane, I shamefully allowed myself to think that I'd probably jack in the run if I saw Mok, who would have ben nearabouts, I would consider hitching a ride. As I was crossing Westrow Drive a green Astra pushed in and parked bang in front of me on the curb. I could hear the driver swear. Being renowned as a nifty dancer , Old snakehips (as they used to call me) bodyswerved effortlessly around the car. 'Expletive off, you expletive expletive' I screamed continuing my run. It was then I heard laughing (familiar) and lo and behold it was Tyrone the getaway driver himself. Anyway, I told him what I had been thinking and when being persuade, stod resolute with a firm no. It was only when he mentioned his Ma (My Gran)had returned from the Motherland, that I relented. I assure readers there was no other reason. I travelled to Mok's, had a slap up chicken and fish finger ensemble before driving his car home, instead of running. I sneaked in and luckily the Missus was upstairs, allowing me to dive into the shower. I emerged to find a banana milkshake waiting on the kitchen counter, which my missus had prepared earlier to help me recuperate energy after such a devastatingly long run. I obliged, couldn't let her go to waste, not to mention that the shake contained enough nourishment to feed the whole population of Bangladesh.

Before leaving for Mok and bluewater I bumped into Khalid Sharif, CEO of Ummah Foods who'd bought me a big box of Ummah choccies. (Just brilliant for my tough marathon regime - I'd promised Kerim, one of my pupils at school that I was on a strict seafood diet. What he didn't know was I had meant SEE FOOD! Geddit? He's not a reader, so I guess I'm safe. I narrated my story to Khalid, laughing , patting myself on a job well done whilst not realising my eldest Ismael was listening. Anyway, Ismael turned whistleblower, and the rest (Ahem) is history.

By the way Adidas haven't been in touch, and no!, nobody's seen the first pics of me modelling my new sports shades. Watch this space!

London Marathon 2007: Days 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

This week saw me doing shorter 10 mile runs on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Took rest on Friday (by default) and did a whopping long 18 /19 miler on saturday. Just resting today. I will do another one tomorrow, the size of which will vary depending on my mood after work. I did Saturday's run first thing after morning prayer and this is a much better way of training. I used to do this in Tower Hamlets before my move to Barking and I much prefer getting it out of the way, leaving the whole day free. I was able to get some funds for running gear and have treated myself to a water bottle, running top and.... a pair of real sports shades. Don't worry loyal readers, I fully intend to model them on here before I get that filthy rich sponsorship package from Adidas. Note to Adidas: Do you have a bearded practising (so say's everybody) Muslim on your books. All I would need is an Amani Foundation Project to be sponsored...

Bangladesh: Rajakars - The enemy within

The enemy with is what caused so much bloodshed during the war of independance in 1971. I watched Tareque Masud's claybird on the bigscreen in London a few years ago and this brilliantly made film struch a chord within me. Though I'm born here, I am very proud of my roots. The scenes of atrocities committed against civilians in Bangladesh is harrowing and haunting. We should forgive, but we should never forget!

Bangladesh humble India - The greatest upset in cricket world cup history!

It's out with the old guard as Dav Whatmore's tigers teach the masters a lesson

Black and Ethnic Minority Coaches - What future in football?

Black and Ethnic Minority coaches will come together later this month at the David Beckham Academy to discuss issues relating to their involvement in the game.

The day has been organized by Brixton- based community sports project, Martin Shaw King Trust (MSKT), and Kick It Out, football’s anti- racism group, to look at the issues faced by those from a minority background aspiring to work as grassroots or professional coaches.

Discussion points
Discussion points during the day include - How the lack of BME coaches in the professional game will affect the aspirations of BME communities; Career pathways for young people; Opportunities in County FAs; Coaching at the grassroots; Coaching in the professional game.

Speakers will include FA National Youth Coach, Noel Blake, former Arsenal midfielder and now PFA coach Paul Davis, Tottenham Hotspur Academy coach Chris Ramsey, and FA consultant Brendon Batson.

A series of practical demonstrations will be put on for the afternoon.

No shortage of coaching interest
Dr Colin King from the MSKT commented: “The under representation of black and ethnic minority managers and coaches in the professional game has been well documented. It is vital that we ensure that this is addressed with action.

“There is no shortage of interest from ethnic minorities in becoming a coach, but there are some serious concerns about what opportunities there are for them to climb the ladder in the profession.”

Piara Powar, Director of Kick It Out, added: “In bringing together aspiring ethnic minority coaches from both the grassroots and the professional game we are facilitating an important networking opportunity.

“The issues these coaches face need to be discussed and understood, to be addressed. We hope that the day helps to go someway in encouraging positive change and opening up opportunities in coaching.”

The event will attract a range of participants including youth leaders, teachers, coaches and coaching mentors.

Book now
The day is being put on as part of the celebrations for the bicentennial of the abolition of slavery and is free but you must register through contacting Zakir Issap at Kick It Out.

You can do this through by stating your name, address and organisation by email, zakir@kickitout.org or by phone on 020 7684 4884.

Poem: Red Army!

The Catalan roadshow had arrived
Deco, Puyol, Eto
A masterful plan Rijkaard had contrived
Giuly, Messi, Ronaldinho

They came to town amidst much fanfare
But FC Carra and Gerry law await
'They're a glorified long ball team' the coach would declare
Hoping Sir Benitez would take the bait

Is that a faint tremor we hear reverbrating around Europe?
As Gerry Marsden's trumpet is blown
Victory pushes the Reds up the slope
You'll never walk alone

Has an Anfield defeat been celebrated with such vigour
As the masterful Eider sticks the knife in again
Yes, famous Anfield European nights are again de riguer
But for Europe's kings there's no more champagne

'Bring it on' screams the skipper as to a wave of joy, the Red Army all succumb
Sir Benitez arise is the heralded announcement!, Athens here we come!

(c) Emdad Rahman - 08.03.07
www.footballpoets.org

London Marathon 2007 Diary: DAYS 9 & 10

Two very good days of training. Yesterday I applied the coup de grace by finishing my run with a lung busting 2 miler up and down Upney Lane. I must say I had stomach cramps by the end. Feel sore today and just been disturbed from a catnap by my little one, who decided to sit on my (fl)abs to watch the Simpsons. I told a member of staff at Lahore Express, my regular lunchtime eaterie (Mix Kebab). His laughter and sheer disbelief was a picture in itself.... I love it when people write me off. Anyway, he seems to be waiting for a call from Bollywood. You'll know what I mean if you met him. I've got loads of pledges now. All I need is an American billionaire to chuck something, although a friend thinks I should butter up Mr Maktoum of Godolphin Stable fame.

Asian women should speak English

Jack Straw now says Asian women should be required to speak English before they are handed a visa.
Read more ...

Obituary: Imran Saithna: 1978 - 2007

I'm numb with disbelief as I write this!. I had the pleasure of meeting Imran once. It was in the cafe of the newly built Rich Mix Centre on Bethnal Green Road. A group of us, including Imran were bought together by Author Rabina Khan to advise scriptwriters for an upcoming series of The Bill regarding planned plotlines. I remember speaking to Adam Dirir from Somali Voice and we both commented on Imran's warm character and his infectious spirit. Within the course of two hours I like Adam, had adopted and regarded Imran as an older brother. We exchanged contact details, having no knowledge that this would be our first and last meeting a a giant of a man, a true example of a Muslim and a very special human being.

Imran had just returned from the Hajj with his parents. whether you knew Imran your whole life or for a fleeting moment, His death is a great loss and he will be mourned by many. Please join me in praying for Imran. May the Almighty ease the pain of his family and may they find peace with time.

Ameen!

The Past (A poem)

“Forget the past, sleep the day, wake not for the dawn of tomorrow.

Bleed the pen, burn the paper, dry those tears of eternal sorrow.

Blind the eyes, pack full the ears, wipe the traces of that lonely smile.

Imran Saithna - 1978 - 2007