Emdad Rahman
NFA LEEDS have celebrated a landmark achievement: being crowned the new Sonali Othith UK Masters champions. Twenty UK-based squads of veteran footballers aged 35 and over took part in the football extravaganza at Mabley Green, Hackney on 12th June.
As Captain Anu Miah lifted the prestigious grassroots trophy, the Yorkshire-based outfit achieved a historic first in the oldest Bangladeshi veterans’ football tournament in the country. NFA Leeds turned the tide to record northern success for the first time ever in the tournament after defeating a dominant and much fancied Shadwell FC in the final.
Leeds stifled the superior firepower of Shadwell and this was crucial in taking the title back up the M1. Fittingly, it was Leeds goalkeeper Janu Miah who was declared man of the match.
“We travelled to London with a winning mentality,” said Leeds Manager Jahangir Miah. “My players have a positive mindset, and our belief and desire have got us through today. It’s brilliant that this crop of players have become the first northerners to win this prestigious championship.”
Sonali Othith Chair Jamal Uddin commented, “We’ve been part of a day of great football and fanfare. At Sonali Othith we are committed to bringing the community together and football serves this purpose well. We are proud to be at the true forefront of engaging veteran footballers. Congratulations to NFA Leeds on a historic triumph.”
Participating teams: Sonali Othith UK Masters 2022
- Kentish Town
- Camden
- B Osmani
- Shoreditch
- Wapping
- G7
- Poplar
- Hawk and Eagle
- NFA Leeds
- Mohammedan
- Bromley
- Weavers
- Spartak Luton
- Revive
- Shadwell
- Beaumont
- MK Durbar
- MM FC
- North West Vets
- FC Veterans
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