Ben Graduated from University College London (UCL) with a BSc in Economics in 2007. At university, Ben was elected Co-President of UCL Union, with responsibility for managing the charity's £4 million commercial services operation. After graduating, Ben became a researcher for an international press agency that produces country specific economic reports and investment guides for leading international publications. He was based in Jakarta, Indonesia for four months and Cairo, Egypt for five months. Since August 2008, Ben has been an economist with the respected think-tank the centre for economics and business research, where he advises clients on local and regional development and public policy issues. He also makes regular appearances in national and international news media, including for BBC and Bloomberg.
How did you become involved with FC Unity and become a Young Leader?
I answered an advert posted at my students' union for a volunteer to
help run the Unity Cup in July 2006. The combination of football and
charity was an immediate hook for me as it combined two of my greatest
interests. From there I met Yamam Nabeel, who was an inspiration and led
me to want to become more involved in the work.
How did the UNITY Cup play a part in addressing issues and
challenges in London?
The Unity Cup has been able to harness the racial and ethnic neutrality
of football and promote it to the extent that the only colour that
matters is you team's shirt. Players are judged on the silkiness of
their skills above all other reasons. The tournament provides a level
playing field for young people, some of whom have yet to see one first
hand. It's great to see teams from all walks of life, from local youth
clubs to Her Majesty's Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Can football and others sports be used to empower young
people, and in what ways?
Of course. The Unity Cup, in particular being one of the few London-wide
five-a-side tournaments provides a sense of City champions for the
victors. Sporting competition does not care what your background is. It
rewards hard work, leadership and talent more fairly than other sectors
or professions.
How has working with FC Unity helped you with your career or
future plans?
Employers are placing greater weight on volunteering and social
development projects. While this was not my primary motivation for
volunteering I was certainly conscious of it. Since volunteering with FC
Unity, I have worked for Shelter, the homeless charity no doubt in part
due to my work with FC Unity. The contacts that I have made are also
invaluable. I think that the director sees FC Unity's stakeholders as
part owners meaning that we all feel a degree of responsibility towards
the charity which bring us closer together.
What advice would you give to young people looking to set up
initiatives with social aims?
Good luck to you. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.
Think laterally and be creative as you will have to sell your aims over
the next group's. Engage everybody and cast a wide net when looking for
stakeholders. Work very hard because this type of work is its own reward
and remember you can always do more.
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