Soccer aid raises money for charity

Councillor Sharif with Team Asia winners of SFA 2012 Soccer Aid Tournament

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Rochdale Sports For All (SFA) has held a charity five-a-side football tournament raising over £500 for good causes.

A record 16 teams from Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire entered the tournament that was played at Soccer Factory in Rochdale.

Nawaz Moin, Fundraising Manager for Sports For All, said: “This is the fifth year we have ran an indoor football tournament. Once again we decided to give all the proceeds to charity. However, we wanted to allow the winning team to decide which charity would benefit for their efforts.”

Mr Moin added: “I want to in particular thank Mr Azmat Khan and Councillor Sharif, for giving up their day, to help support this successful charity event.

“The business sponsors, JR Pizzas, Pizza Pan, H3A and Haji Cash & Carry played an important role, as did the ever-enthusiastic Sports For All volunteers.”

The tournament itself was highly competitive, with all three indoor football courts being used at Soccer Factory. From the early group matches, Wardleworth looked strong topping their group along with Coppice from Oldham who won their group.

The tournament really got going at the quarter final stage. Wardleworth FC won their match 5-0 whilst Coppice almost matched them with a 5-1 win over their opponents.

In the Semi final Asia met Wardleworth FC. Two late goals edged it for Asia in a closely contested match of the tournament.

Coppice in the other semi final ran out 3-0 winners against Real Deeplish who looked to have ran out steam.

In the final Asia won the tournament with a late strike to sink a determined Coppice of Oldham.

Councillor Mohammad Sharif, said:“ It would have been nice to have had both of the teams from my ward (Asia FC and Real Deeplish) in the final! However, I got to say this was a well organised event. A lot of credit goes to Nawaz Moin. He ensured free refreshments were available to all the participants. Young people who were not playing football, were enjoying playing pool and soccer on the playstations.

“There was a really community spirit here. SFA always innovates and come up with ideas, which is why I enjoy being involved. They gave the winning team the opportunity to decide who they wish to donate the profits from this tournament too. I am grateful for the organisers who continue to involve me. In truth every player, supporter and sponsor were winners. Well done to everyone involved!”

Real Deeplish received the fair play award. Asif Rafiq, of Sports for All, said: “We always like to encourage fair play and good sportsmanship. These young men were a credit to the community they represent."