Bangla Bantams scoop Fans For Diversity accolade

Wednesday 7 Dec 2016
Back to news >

It was an evening of celebration in London on Monday (5 December) as the inaugural Fans For Diversity award was presented at the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) awards.

Six supporters’ groups were nominated for their outstanding work in promoting inclusion in their local communities with Bangla Bantams winning the inaugural accolade for their incredible progress in Bradford.

Also up for the award were the Saints Disabled Supporters’ Association, Pride in Football, Blues 4 All, Punjabi Rams and Boiler Room Ladies.

Fans For Diversity is a jointly funded-programme between Kick It Out and FSF, supporting fans throughout the country in creating a range of initiatives aimed at increasing the diversity of the match going fanbase, spreading the message of anti-discrimination, and ensuring clubs are more representative of the communities in which they are based.

Co-founder Humayun Islam collected the award on behalf of Shapla FC and Bangla Bantams and was presented the award by Roisin Wood, Director of Kick It Out.

fsf-awards-humayun-in-article-2

After coming off-stage, Humayun was beaming with pride when asked to describe the achievement.

“I’m speechless really,” he said with a huge smile. “It just shows that if you work hard, if you work with the right people and create partnerships and then listen and ask for guidance, then you can do so much.

“We’re receiving an award alongside someone like Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool – it’s just unbelievable and shows that with hard work and dedication the sky is the limit.”

The Bangla Bantams and Shapla FC were formed to help the local South Asian Community in the Bradford area promote and increase sports participation – for both boys and girls – in the Bradford area.

Since forming they have formed relationships with Bradford City FC as well as the West Riding County FA.

“It has brought the community together and thanks to Kick It Out, the Football Supporters’ Federation and the fans themselves to make this happen,” explained Humayun, who also paid tribute to Anwar Uddin, the FSF’s Diversity and Campaigns Manager.

fsf-awards-humayun-in-article-1

“Anwar has been amazing. He came up for a meeting and showed his dedication and that was key and meant I wanted to continue the work. He would then suggest ideas and he’d guide us as we went along.

“Next year we want to do even more and we’d like to grow the fanbase and make it as diverse as possible.”

Humayun also credited the other nominees for the fantastic work they’re doing with their respective clubs.

“We’re all winners really. We’re all winners in our own way. I think this award will continue next year and I think it will grow and grow and it’s a celebration of fans’ work.”

Click here to see a list of all the winners from the FSF awards.

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

Archives

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010