Emdad Rahman
Stepney FC were honoured guests at the launch of the Fans For Diversity hub at Leyton Orient. Former Dagenham & Redbridge Captain and legend Anwar Uddin, Diversity Campaigns Manager at the Football Supporters Federation, hosted the youngsters and parents as they watched Leyton Orient’s Second League game against Mansfield Town.
The group were entertained by Leyton Orient Football Club in association with Kick it Out – football’s equality and inclusion organisation. Present at the opening were Community Liaison Officer Howard Gould, who has been an Os fan since 1970, Kirsty Chapman and Health Co-ordinator Phill Smith.
As part of their fantastic match day experience, the team were led onto the pitch by Head Coach Emdad Rahman and Khadijah Jannath, the very popular team mascot who is also blind. The team took official photos with the players and the Kick it Out banner. They also formed the guard of honour as the players entered the field of play and took part in a half time penalty shootout with The Os’ mascot Theo the Wyvern.
Akik Miah from Stepney FC said, “The youngsters had an experience that they will treasure forever. Thank you Leyton Orient, Kick it Out and Fans For Diversity for such a magical day.”
Kick it Out said, “Thanks to Stepney FC – the first group to use the Leyton Orient FC Fans For Diversity Hub.”
Anwar Uddin concluded, “It’s fantastic when a plan becomes a reality. This was a derelict part of the stadium a short while back. Thanks to the club there has been a complete transformation. Thanks to Stepney FC for being the first to use the hub. It will be a place which will be of tremendous benefit to our community of fans.”
•For more information, go to:
Leyton Orient Trust: www.leytonorient.com/club/lotrust/
Kick it Out: www.kickitout.org
The Football Supporters Federation: www.fsf.org.uk
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