Rochdale police thrashed by local community group in annual charity football match

Officers from GMP’s Rochdale division took to the field at Rochdale AFC’s Crown Oil Arena for their annual match against local community group Bangladeshi Arts and Sports Association (BASA) Rochdale CIC on Saturday (13 May).

In 2021 BASA reached out to local officers with the aim of using sport as a medium to bring diverse communities and the police closer together. Since then, the healthy competition has grown and grown.

The pressure was on today as this was the third time GMP have faced BASA, and everyone had a lot to prove. With both teams having one previous win each under their belts, this year was all or nothing. 

Whilst the officers’ skills on the pitch might not be as good as their crime fighting ones, this event represents the strong relationships local officers are building with members of its minority groups in Rochdale to tackle social exclusion in society.

With support from the Deputy Council Leader Janet Emsley, Councillor Amber Nisa, Director of Public Health Kuiama Thompson, and Superintendent Nicky Porter on the side lines, BASA took the trophy for a second time, with an impressive 5-2 win.

Throughout the year, BASA will be hosting a number of events, raising money for different local charities and organisations.

BASA's MD, Doliz Miah, said: "Over the past two years, members of BASA and GMP have come together to strengthen the relationship between the community that BASA represents and better understand the services that GMP provide.

"An idea turned into some sporting activities including structured fitness classes for a wide range of people with different backgrounds, ages and gender, running and hiking expeditions and other activities to help improve mental health and wellbeing as well as physical health and fitness.

"This then progressed to a football match between both organisations which has now hopefully become an annual event and milestone for both BASA and GMP Rochdale to celebrate together as we move forward. The projects we have delivered simply highlight what can be achieved when like-minded people with similar goals get together as one community and as our ethos states, using the power of sport to tackle those challenges and taboo subjects.

"As the Managing Director, I am very proud of what BASA has become over the years and honoured to be a part of this ever-growing community-oriented organisation, we simply are more than a club!"

Harrison Cunliffe, Operation Support Officer at GMP Rochdale – and one of the main organisers for the game – said: “It was fantastic to be able to play BASA for a third year running. Even though we faced another devastating loss, spirits were high, and it was brilliant to see everyone come together to do something we love – all in the name of charity.

“Our officers never shy away from a challenge, especially when it involves helping local charities who do such incredible work within our communities and need our help to continue to do so.”

Deputy council leader Janet Emsley said: "This is a great example of how the strength in partnership between authorities and communities can bring everyone together to develop stronger relationships, enjoy sport and raise money for local charities.

"Well done to the organisers and thanks to the supporters who attended, I hope we can see more grassroots sports in the future led by the Police and community working together."

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