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I am currently a finalist at Queen Mary, University of London, reading History and Politics. I intend to do a Masters degree in History following graduation. I was recently part of the ULOTC programme, as an Officer Cadet in the British Territory Army. I have worked for the international Arabic daily, Asharq al Awsat, and its sister magazine, Sayiddaty, as well as doing voice-overs for British television and radio. For a number of years, I have been a member and organiser for Democracy Monitor in Iraq, an Iraqi think-tank based in London. From the UK, I campaign and organise on behalf of a grass-roots political movement working in Iraq today that is receiving widespread international media coverage. Since 2007, I have become increasingly involved with the work of FC Unity. As a Young Leader, I led a team that organised all aspects of the 3rd annual UNITY Cup in 2009, including the design of workshops focused on youth development in sport and community leadership.
How did you become involved with FC Unity and become a Young Leader?
I organized a team to take part in the first UNITY Cup in 2007. From then, one could see that the concept was not only impressive but had the right ingredients to be a far-reaching and meaningful project. I helped in organizing the second and third annual UNITY Cup tournaments. In addition, I had the opportunity to design a workshop on multiculturalism and active citizenship in the run-up to the tournament.
How did the UNITY Cup play a part in addressing issues and challenges in London?
Cosmopolitanism encourages young people to express themselves in creative and often groundbreaking ways. It also creates multiple layers of identities that help to enrich life for the majority of people. Nevertheless, tensions due to racial segregation and misunderstanding, and in some cases extremism, can pose a threat to the unity of cultures in a city such as London. What the UNITY Cup aims to do is to engage young people from all walks of life in FC Unity’s projects, providing a platform for communication and inter-cultural understanding, amongst other things.
Can football and others sports be used to empower young people, and in what ways?
Team sports can serve a number of purposes, and one of them is to give a voice to young people and provide the framework for their development. Coaches, for example, can often be effective mentors for young people, helping them to build confidence, and offering guidance and counsel that only helps those on the receiving end, in whatever they decide to do in their lives. Football can offer these opportunities to all those who play it, regardless of age and nationality.
How has working with FC Unity helped you with your career or future plans?
Working alongside a team of Young Leaders to plan, organize and run a series of community-sports events has enhanced my confidence in a whole spectrum of skills, especially in communication and management. I have taken these skills to the seminar room at University. Being mentored and guided by the FC Unity team has put me in touch with organizations and individuals who represent London’s diversity and energy, some of whom have become FC Unity’s partners and friends. My experience with them will prove to be useful in future projects that I seek to undertake in the near future.
What advice would you give to young people looking to set up initiatives with social aims?
Keep it relevant and contemporary. But more importantly, go for it. Young people are an asset to their communities and to society generally. When young people are empowered with the right tools and message, they can bring about meaningful change for a long time to come.
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