CAPITAL KIDS CRICKET (CKC) has been fighting against discrimination for the past 34 years. A charity which was set up to overcome societal challenges and empower young people, CKC has responded to findings from the ICEC report that found structural racism, sexism, and elitism in English and Welsh cricket.

CKC will be taking the recommendations in the ICEC into account for both our current and future projects. As championed by the launch of our Bowl Out Racism campaign, we are committed to eradicating all forms of discrimination from our game, and wider society. As we have done since 1989, we will continue to work to ensure that cricket is a game for everyone.

We are proud to deliver projects that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, but we are aware more can be done. We look forward to working with the entire cricket community to support the England and Wales Cricket Board’s delivery of a cricket “reset” going forward.

“Our work in London over the last 34 years has shown us that with the right focus, funding and commitment we can meet the goal of making cricket the most equitable sport. Watched by millions, cricket has the potential to not only encourage sport and fitness but team spirit and a sense of community. We can see that at the grassroots in the programmes we operate successfully in 20 London boroughs,” said Nasser Hussain OBE, President of CKC.

“We are saddened but not surprised by [the] findings from the ICEC. Cricket should be a game for all. The great work from the England men’s and women’s teams to make it an entertaining sport to watch needs to be matched by systemic work from all institutions to truly make it a sport for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or social status,” said Shahidul Alam Ratan, CEO of CKC.

“I am proud to see that Capital Kids Cricket has already been implementing and following all relevant recommendations from the ICEC report, and this gives us further confidence in the work we are delivering. We have fought discrimination for 34 years, organised cricket in hundreds of London’s diverse communities and encouraged boys and girls from all backgrounds to play cricket,” said Haydn Turner, founder trustee of CKC, MCC Member.

●CKC is a youth development charity that improves the social, emotional, and physical development of children, young people, and families across London. We are one of the most diverse cricket organisations in the UK running a wide range of projects across London and the southeast including:

•offering programmes in 113 locations across 20 London boroughs for over 8,000 children per year;
•working with over 2,500 women and girls per year;
•running sports lessons for children in six London hospitals, including Great Ormond Street Hospital School;
•supporting 12 refugee camps in Lebanon, working with displaced boys and girls.

2023 will see the launch of the Clubs in Need Programme providing bespoke support to cricket clubs who are facing various challenges due to a lack of outreach, coaching, volunteers, and parental support.

ABOUT CKC

CKC was set up in 1989 by Haydn Turner and Bill Greaves, two accomplished businessmen, friends and passionate life-long cricket supporters. Both wanted to address the lack of cricket on offer in London and regenerate cricket in schools.

By 1991, CKC had gained momentum and joined forces with other initiatives focused on establishing cricket in schools. These included the London Schools’ Cricket Association (LCCA) and the London Schools Cricket Project (LSCP). In partnership with these initiatives, CKC was operating across 19 London boroughs.

This mission has remained the same since 1989, although the charity has evolved. Alongside its work in schools across London, CKC handles initiatives in hospitals and is now actively involved with refugees here in the UK and in Lebanon. CKC has remained true to its goal and has sought to use cricket to unify people regardless of their differences – both socially and culturally – and bring communities together.

●For more information about CKC, go to:
Cricket

●To catch up with the news in East London, go to:
East London News

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LONDON SPORTIF organised and delivered an eight-day winter camp for local school children. The programme of festive holiday events and activities took place at the London Enterprise Academy in Whitechapel. 

Leading the way were London Sportif coaches Atikur Rahman and Muhi Mikdad, who were joined by female volunteer coaches Sumaia and Tonny.

Coach Mikdad commented, “It was a wonderful experience for us. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves within a fun and safe environment. The children stayed active during their winter break and the camp kept them motivated. We are all very proud to have delivered such great activities and the feedback from parents was amazing.”

The camp was funded by the East End Community Foundation and Tower Hamlets, in partnership with the London Enterprises Academy. 

●To catch up with the news in East London, go to:
East London News

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Huge crowds gathered in Ilford Lane for the official opening, with hundreds of Doners shared free of charge to a host of excited customers. The crowds had braved the cold weather and queued for hours to taste the customary kebabs – while hoping to catch a glimpse of the Khans, the model and branding superstar and the former World Champion.
The Ottoman Doner will be creating jobs for locals, and the team plan to extend their excellent community outreach programme to help Londoners this winter.

Cranbrook Ward Redbridge Labour Councillor Shamshia Ali commented, “I’m happy to be invited to the launch of this venture. I took a minute to talk to the management about how an enterprise like the Ottoman Doner can contribute to local Green issues, and I’m pleased to say that they are progressive in this regard. I wish them well – Welcome to Redbridge!”

Faryal Makhdoom added, “Hey, it’s really great being here, meeting such warm people, making new friends and helping launch the latest Ottoman Doner branch. The team have spared no expense in their quest to feed the community in style. Good luck to you all.

Khan, the former WBA and the IBF title holder, had done his homework, “The Ottoman Doner was recently voted Best Kebab Restaurant in South & East London at the recent British Kebab Awards and it’s not hard to see why,” he said. “The support and admiration of the fans has been phenomenal, and I am humbled by their presence. I love you all. I am pleased that the Ottoman Doner is now in your community. This is a company which does so much for the community and deserves our support and custom.”

Apart from serving food, the team at The Ottoman Doner carry out a great deal of work in the background: their community outreach programme supports the homeless, rough-sleepers, and a soup kitchen. During the coronavirus national lockdown, hot meals and toiletries were shared with those facing isolation and hardship.

Abdal Ahmed from The Ottoman Doner concluded, “Today has been a memorable day for us. We thank our customers and our new neighbours for the fantastic welcome. We have an exciting winter support programme to help people get through the harsh winter ahead. Thank you Councillor Shamshia for attending and your valuable feedback, Faryal and Amir for gracing us with your presence. We are committed to serving our community with the very best.”

●To catch up with the news in East London, go to:
East London News

●Watch East London’s weekly news magazine programme,
live at 10pm every Tuesday and on demand all week:
The Tuesday Show

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Shuhel Malique tells Boris Johnson if he wants to join in the hockey, he’ll have to put his trainers on.

THYSF had great success organising sport across Tower Hamlets – until it received attention from the Executive Mayor John Biggs. The Executive Mayor found fault with the organisation and cut its funding. What happened next?

●Are the schools still delivering high quality PE?
●Are girls getting a look-in?
●Can young people try out minority sports?
●What’s happening after school – in the community organisations around Tower Hamlets?
●What’s the cost of local facilities?
●Is the current set up delivering equal opportunities for all our youngsters?
●We’re half way through the school holidays: have our young people enjoyed an excellent service?

Tonight The Tuesday Show will discuss the legacy of that mayoral axe-blow. Join us on the Vodtalk Facebook page – live or on demand.  If you are involved in sport in Tower Hamlets, or with local youth services, or if you work in a neighbouring Borough which does things differently, ring in and share your views.

●Watch East London’s weekly news magazine programme,
live at 10pm every Tuesday and on demand all week:
The Tuesday Show

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DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, has died at the age of 60. The Argentinian football genius, who had brain surgery earlier this month, passed away today from a heart attack.

Following the announcement of the sad news, his homeland declared three days of national mourning.

The crowning moment of Maradona’s career was when he led Argentina to World Cup glory at Mexico ’86. It was the pinnacle of a glorious career and led him to be named unanimously the Golden Ball winner of the tournament. He had mesmerised opponents, fans and team mates on the way to beating West Germany 3-2 in the final.

It was against the late Sir Bobby Robson’s England in the quarter finals where Maradona infamously used his hand to lift the ball over Peter Shilton before going on to score the greatest World Cup goal ever. I saw it, as a ten year old watching it all in black and white – and no other person could provoke such loathing and loving in the space of five single minutes.

Four minutes after the “Hand of God” goal, Hector Enrique laid the ball off to Maradona in his own half. It lit the fuse for a ten second, 60 yard slalom through the heart of the England team, easing past Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher (twice) and Terry Fenwick.

All that remained was feinting deftly to leave Peter Shilton on his backside before slotting home. It was pure football sorcery, delivered masterfully by the great Druid of the game. The Arena Azteca simply erupted.

On a domestic level, Maradona shook up Italy as he became the figurehead of a Napoli team which broke the monopoly of Italian giants Milan, Juventus and Internazionale to lifted the Scudetto in 1987, 1990, an Italian Cup in 1987 and the UEFA Cup in 1989. It is no surprise that Napoli will be retiring the famed number 10 shirt forever.

The latter half of his career was mired in controversy involving cocaine addiction and exploitation, but for me El Diego was the greatest player of all time. What he did with Argentina and Napoli and the manner in which he did it may never be achieved again.

Goodbye, Dieguito. You were a magician without comparison. Eternal Gracias!

Diego Maradona 1960-2020
“He’s going to pass it to Diego, there’s Maradona with it, two men on him, Maradona steps on the ball, there goes down the right flank the genius of world football, he leaves the wing and he’s going to pass it to Burruchaga… Still Maradona! Genius! Genius! Genius! There, there, there, there, there, there! Goaaaaaaaal! Goaaaaaaal!
“I want to cry, oh holy God, long live football! What a goal! Diegoal! Maradona! It is to cry for, excuse me! Maradona, in a memorable run, in the best play of all times! Cosmic kite, which planet did you come from, to leave so many Englishmen behind, for the country to be a clenched fist crying for Argentina? Argentina 2, England 0! Diegoal, Diegoal, Diego Armando Maradona! Thank you, God, for football, for Maradona, for these tears, for this Argentina 2, England 0.”
Víctor Hugo Morales

•Read more about it:
Diego Maradona: an appreciation

•Read more about it:
Chabab Belouizdad fans borrow Tower Bridge for celebration
World Cup winner and football legend Jack Charlton dies aged 85

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TWO SENIOR CITIZENS from Barking & Dagenham have braved the rain to complete a sponsored walk for orphans. The veterans raised close to £2000 with their tremendous effort on London Marathon Day 2020.

Lutfur Rahman, 83, and 63 year old Mohammed Najeeb, both from the Faircross Estate in Longbridge ward, Barking & Dagenham, were determined to complete their walk despite persistent showers and cold weather throughout the weekend.

Speaking after the veterans’ successful endeavour, Md Imran, Fundraising Officer at Lonely Orphans charity commented, “This is a phenomenal achievement by our elders and their example will not only help support many orphans but also inspire countless others to do the same. Well done to our seniors – they are true change-makers!”

●Read more stories about Lonely Orphans:
Lonely Orphans

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Three tournaments will run alongside each other from 23rd October to 27th November: the men’s World Cup, the women’s World Cup and a Wheelchair World Cup. The matches will be played at a range of venues across north England, the nearest venue to London being Coventry. The exception is the Wheelchair tournament, which kicks off on 11th November at the Copper Box Arena in East London – a venue which will host later matches too.

Competition organisers have put a number of measures in place to make the event accessible to as many fans as possible.
•Match tickets start at £10 (adults) and £2.21 (concessions).
•A range of early bird concessions are available to those  buying tickets in 2020.
•Ticket holders will be entitled to a full refund if travel or matches are affected by any COVID-19 restrictions.
•Flexible interest-free payment plans are available.
•20,021 free tickets will be offered to key workers to thank them for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.

Tickets go on sale to recognised fans on Monday, 21st September. Unsold tickets will be put into a public ballot on 23rd October 2020 – exactly one year before the tournament kicks off. Organisers have appointed Ticketmaster to sell tickets.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, said, “I am delighted that we can offer the most accessible, fair priced and highly anticipated RLWC to fans not only here in England but also those from across the world. This tournament will be unique with so much world class Rugby League action and wherever you look you can see that the tournament provides great value for fans.”

•For more information about the Rugby League World Cup, go to:
https://www.rlwc2021.com/

•Read more about it:
Victoria Park walk and picnic for orphans is great success
World Cup winner and football legend Jack Charlton dies aged 85

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A GROUP OF volunteers joined the Bethnal Green-based Lonely Orphans charity team to complete the Dover Trek.

This ten mile linear walk offers panoramic views of the English Channel. Three of England’s mightiest coastal forts stand on the route, from the medieval “Key to England” at Dover to Henry VIII’s defences of Walmer and Deal.

Braving soaring high heat, 24 individuals took part in the 20k Dover to Deal trek to raise money for the charity’s Indonesian Orphans programme.

Md Imran from Lonely Orphans commented, “the weather was very hot and challenging, the scenery beautiful throughout. I want to thank our team today for their efforts in making a lot of young children smile.”

•Read more about this story:
Fundraising for Orphans charities

•Read more about it:
Re-live the 80s and help lung cancer charity
World Cup winner and football legend Jack Charlton dies aged 85

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It’s hard to piece together quite what had happened, but it seems that while most of the UK press were focussed on the delayed Arsenal -v- Chelsea FA Cup Final, Chabab Belouizdad FC had been declared winners of the Algerian “Ligue 1” – on the basis of games played up to March.

It was almost equally hard to piece together what was happening in London. It began with a crowd of exuberant fans making their way to Tower Bridge, where they staged a firework display. When the fireworks ended, the crowd – perhaps around 100 young men – made their way down to the Embankment.

Many of them were dressed in red and white. Many of them were taking selfies. Almost all of them were singing and chanting. They were clearly happy, but what united them? Then, in the middle of the procession, came a man waving a large flag with Chabab Belouizdad’s initials and logo on it, and passers by were able to identify what this was all about (once they had googled the initials, in most cases).

The police were caught by surprise. The supporters had the run of Tower Bridge for several minutes – long enough to run a respectable firework display. As the crowd made its way, out of sight but not out of earshot, down the Embankment, a single squad car turned up – and police officers tried to work out what had been going on and what they should now do about it.

Up on the Bridge, officers guarded a blazing cardboard box, presumably left over from the firework display. Minutes later, a fire engine, sirens blazing and lights flashing, moved through the traffic on Embankment, presumably heading towards the box so they could deal with the blaze. Police reinforcements turned up.

A boat – it wasn’t clear whose, but it looked official – turned up and stopped under Tower Bridge, its staff communicating with police officers above their heads. Passers by waited to be moved on by police officers muttering “move along now, there’s nothing to see”, but the officers kept themselves to themselves, and members of the public moved on anyway, because by then there really was nothing to see.

Fortunately, it seems that it all ended well. We can only hope that the police (and fire brigade) were not delayed by their trip to Tower Bridge from attending any other emergency calls. There wasn’t a great deal of social distancing evident among the rejoicing Chabab Belouizdad men (had the women had a better offer?). It was, if you stopped to think about it, a chilling reminder of how little security there is at some of London’s landmarks.

What was so refreshing was that it was all so normal: team wins, go out and celebrate. It was, however, also really quite unusual. No one would have been surprised to see Arsenal supporters out celebrating or to come across Chelsea supporters drowning their sorrows and forgiving Lampard.  But to find an immigrant community proud to come together and make part of central London the backdrop to their expat celebrations – that displayed a confidence that is rare and can perhaps only be driven by the beautiful game. Joy is infectious. Chabab Belouizdad: you are welcome back – any time.

●Watch video of the Chabab Belouizdad supporters rejoicing:
A Vodcasts video
Fan video

●Read more about it:
World Cup winner and football legend Jack Charlton dies aged 85
Barking and Scintilla partner up for Coronavirus aid

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