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18th October 2007

The Shields Challenge

The Shields Challenge event will take place on the above date/times at the venues listed.

Times: Football 1600-1800 hrs
Reception 1800-2000 hrs

Venues:
Football at Lesser Hampden
Reception at Queens Park Social Club

Football Teams:
Strathclyde Police 'G' Divisional Team
Glasgow ANSAR
Pollokshields Utd

Irfan Rabbani Spokesperson on Equalities for Glasgow City Council approached Divisional Commander Robin Howe about using football as a medium for integration within the Pollokshields community. The project started from there.

The date in question falls within Show Racism the Red Card's fortnight of action and they will be supporting this venture. The S.F.A. and Queens Park are supporting the event by providing facilities and arranging for some high profile guests with a Premier League referee (Mike McCurry) officiating over proceedings.

A Dholl drummer will lead the teams onto the pitch prior to a photo of players and officials who will pose wearing SRTRC t-shirts and holding red cards.

Radio Awaz will be in attendance providing music throughout the football tournament. Henna-painting will be provided for spectators, Barrs Soft Drinks have also donated to the event.

The football will consist of 3 half hour matches with rolling subs for each side to increase participation. In addition there will be 2 x 5-a-side pitches at the venue, allowing any young people attending to have a kickabout, supervised by Compol officers.

Community coaches from Rangers & Celtic will attend the event to hopefully build links with the BME community.

At the conclusion of the football, a reception will take place in the nearby Queens Park Social Club for the teams and invited guests. The buffet is being provided by Mr Singhs (courtesey of Satty & Bobby Singh).

There will be a number of short speeches, presentations and then refreshments. Councillor Rabbani has arranged for Stephen Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council to attend along with the Convenor of the Joint Police Board .Other politicians will also be backing the initiative.

An added and related outcome involves young people from 'G' Division's work experience week will attend along with young BME people recently recruited to attend a work experience week with Strathclyde Police in November.

Thereafter, both sets of young people will attend an 'integration' day which will involve a visit to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and meeting with MSPs. This will be followed by lunch back in Glasgow and a team-building afternoon, probably involving a game of curling.

Glasgow ANSAR organise several teams in different sports for both genders including football, cricket and hockey. They are applying for funding for a full-time co-ordinator to organise the various activities. This event will hopefully help to enhance their profile and lend weight to their application.

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Source: Glasgow Ansar