Football match continues to build relations

Rochdale Mayor Robin Parker as the two team captains, the referee and councillor Sharif look on

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Rochdale Police and Rochdale-based multi faith group Deen 4 All played their second annual Alliance football match as the two groups continued their progress in community cohesion.

The police team faced youths from various mosques, coming together to represent Rochdale's Muslim community, at Springhill school.

Mr Salem Ahmed, of Deen 4 All, explained the background to the match: "Last year we were contacted by a senior officer, describing how the Police wish to play a part in getting to know all of our local communities better. We already play Rochdale Council in the Unity Shield every year and also involve the Christian Community. We were therefore only too happy to extend our partnership work, and play a pro-active role towards building good relations with the Rochdale Police service.”

The match was closely contested. The Deen for All team gelled quickly and began the match with excellent goal scoring opportunities. The Police team however, through Scott McLaughlin’s clinical finish, went a goal up.

The faith team suffered a further set back - losing both their star striker (Jamil Ahmed) and then midfielder Asad Mahmood through injuries. However, Mohammed Imran of Bilal Jamia Mosque lifted the team spirits by responding with a stunning equaliser. A few minutes before half time, the police team regained the lead again through Simon Gregory’s well-worked goal.

In the second half, the DFA team upped their game and equalised through Umar. The match, levelled at 2-2, was heading towards a penalty shootout, when Danny Waywell popped up to score a late winner. The Police team showed great composure, as the faith team attempted to find another goal - but it was not to be. The Rochdale Police team held on and retained the Alliance shield as 3-2 winners.

The match was sponsored by Advance Technologies whose Managing Director commented, “It is important that black and minority ethnic communities play their roles in promoting excellent community relations with the police; we feel it is essential for local businesses to support these types of schemes for the good of the community.”

Mr Azmat Khan, Rochdale Football Club’s Community officer, managed the youths from the Muslim community. He commented: "Given these players had never played together and some met for the first time on the match day, they did extremely well. I am absolutely delighted with their efforts and commitment. For me it was quite a challenge to organise them in such a short period of time. Given this was for a superb cause, like last year, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”


Councillor Mohammed Sharif stated: "As the Community Cohesion Portfolio holder, it gave me enormous pleasure to see young people from the Muslim community playing such an influential part in continuing to make this town a shining example/model of cohesion-in-action for others to emulate. We have a lot of exceptional people of all ages within our diverse community. I feel fortunate to have been involved. We look forward to maintaining the Alliance schedule between Rochdale Police and Deen 4 All."

Councillor Ibrar Khan, who played in defence for Deen For All, commented: "As a keen footballer, I retired a few years ago, but was encouraged to roll back the years. I enjoyed putting my boots on again, and must add it was as close a game as the score line suggested.

“The match was an unadulterated people’s community event. To be part of this was a wonderful experience for me and, if any team now needs a world class defender, they can contact me!"

After the event, the players and their family members enjoyed a post match meal at Rochdale’s Sahara Grill. Chief Superintendent Peter Mason, Commander of Rochdale Police, who also played in the game, praised both teams for their spirited efforts. He said: "The second Alliance cup game has been keenly contested on a very hot morning. Both sides played some very good football, with spectators including the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale. The game was a lot closer than last year and was played in a competitive but friendly spirit, however I am pleased to say that the police team came out on top – just!

Chief Superintendent Mason added “ The game is now an annual event and is a great advertisement for the closer links, both on a professional and informal basis, that have developed between the police and the local communities."

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker, added: “It was a pleasure to watch the match and toss the coin. It’s great to see these kind of events going ahead which can only be positive for future community relations.”

Bryan Lawton, the Superintendent of Rochdale Police, awarded the Man of The Match trophy to Jabar Khan of DFA, for his all-around display and fair play.

Mohammed Nazir, on behalf of Deen 4 All, concluded: "While everyone involved helped make this project a success, we particularly wish to thank three people: Firstly, the team manager for the Rochdale Police division’s football side, Inspector Darrell Butterworth, who again organised their team. Secondly, Mr Azmat Khan for preparing the team on behalf of Deen 4 All. Finally, a special ‘Thank You’ to Mr Andrew Entwistle, the Manager of Springhill Sports Centre. He arranged so much, with unreserved goodwill. Mr Entwistle went out of his way to help make this happen, for which we all are exceedingly grateful."