ILFL awards evening celebrates the best grassroots football

Emdad Rahman

The Inner London Football League (ILFL) was hailed a resounding success as a packed crowd at The White House venue, Newham, celebrated the best of grassroots football during a star studded ceremony. This is the 15th year that the ILFL has been delivering grassroots football, and the evening was hosted by David Joseph.

Kamruz Zaman, Chair of ILFL, was the first key speaker. He said, “There are 70 plus teams that take part in our tournaments. The ILFL has featured on Match Of The Day 2. We work in partnership with Sonai Othith, London Tigers and other organisations. I’d like to thank the sponsors and our committee for putting in so much effort to keep our organisation afloat.”

Sonali Othith Vice Chair Jamal Uddin presented the 2015/16 TVL Challenge Cup trophy to winners Beaumont Masters and the veterans cup to Weavers.

Sonali Othith Chair Dawlath Khan Babul and Media Secretary Faruque Mahfuz Ahmed presented the Second Division winners’ trophy to Riverside Vets and the First Division championship to Weavers. The Premiership runners up trophy was handed to Stepney FC, followed by the Champions trophy to London Tigers. Khan announced a new Sylhet Division District tournament which will commence in October.

Faruque Ahmed added, “We face many challenges on a daily basis when trying to deliver football to our communities. I request our esteemed politicians, many of whom are here tonight, support our communities through the provision of sporting facilities.”

The ILFL Champions Cup is the most prestigious trophy and is open to the champions of four different leagues. The trophy is presented to the best of the best. The runners up were Stepney FC, with Gower All Stars taking home the crown.

There were speeches from Tower Hamlets Deputy Mayor Sirajul Islam and Deputy Speaker Councillor Sabina Akhtar.

Kamal Chowdhury from Abohani veterans said, “It’s been a great evening of celebrations. Thanks to ILFL for running such efficient football programmes which benefit so many people in so many ways.”

The evening ended with a three course meal.

•For more information about ILFL, go to: www.ilfl.org

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