Football can revolutionise the Mosque Experience

#OurYouthOurFuture

Over 500 mosque leaders and young people from across Britain gathered at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on Saturday 12 October to hear from young people and experts on how mosques can better engage with an increasingly disenfranchised youth through football and other initiatives.

Speaking at the national 'Our Mosques Our Future' conference, MCB Secretary General Harun Khan said, "If we truly believe that our youth are our future, then surely it’s time our mosques become more serious about listening, involving and investing in our young people."

Football was hailed as a means of revolutionising the mosque experience for young people in particular, with contributions from:

• Guest appearance by Hamza Choudhury, 22-year old midfield player for Leicester City FC and England international team on his personal journey;
• The Football Association (FA) discussing the future of Football, Mosques & Young People;
• Workshops on setting up a mosque-based Football Club delivered by MCB affiliates and West Ham United Foundation; and
• Presentation by Community Director of Leicester City Football Club on opportunities for local Muslims in Leicester to get involved with the club's outreach activities

Kevin Coleman, Equality & Diversity Manager at The Football Association, said, "Sport and especially football offers a unique opportunity not only to bring communities of different faiths and backgrounds together, but also to inspire and engage young people. Mosques and all places of worship can be the focus of all sections of local communities and the drivers and partners of projects that engage young people in this way"

Full conference summary and workshop proceedings can be download online at www.ourmosquesourfuture.org.uk

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