Stepney FC enjoy ‘experience they will treasure forever’ at Leyton Orient after visiting newly-opened Fans for Diversity Hub at Brisbane Road
Stepney FC were guests at Leyton Orient at the launch of the club's new Fans for Diversity hub - Credit: Archant
Ex-Dagenham & Redbridge captain Anwar Uddin pays tribute to O’s for allowing Stepney FC incredible experience
Stepney FC were the lucky visitors to the newly-opened Fans for Diversity Hub at Leyton Orient as former Dagenham & Redbridge captain Anwar Uddin hosted the youngsters and parents at their League Two match with Mansfield Town, writes Emdad Rahman.
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 – an O’s fan since the 1970s – Kirsty Chapman and health co-ordinator Phill Smith.
As part of their fantastic matchday experience the Stepney team were led on to the pitch by head coach Emdad Rahman and Khadijah Jannath, the very popular team mascot who is also blind.
You may also want to watch:
The team took official photos with the players and the Kick it Out banner and also formed the guard of honour as the players entered the field of play and took part in a half-time penalty shoot-out with O’s mascot Theo the Wyvern.
Akik Miah, of Stepney FC, said: “The youngsters had an experience they will treasure forever. Thank you Leyton Orient, Kick it Out and Fans For Diversity for a magical day.”
Most Read
- 1 Ethnic communities not taking up Covid jabs, Tower Hamlets Mayor warns
- 2 'Racist consultation' protest rejected on Tower Hamlets street closures as Labour sticks to its manifesto
- 3 Airbnb house party violence leaves police officer with broken finger
- 4 Council fined for Alexia Walenkaki's playground death in Mile End and says sorry to family
- 5 Streets around proposed Chinese embassy building could be renamed after persecuted Muslims
- 6 Police hunt after stabbing in Cable Street: One man hurt
- 7 Police raid cannabis factory near Liverpool Street station: 2 arrests
- 8 No injuries but 20 rescued as firefighters tackle Limehouse blaze
- 9 Teenager found dead in Victoria Park
A statement from Kick it Out added: “Thanks to Stepney FC, the first group to use the Leyton Orient FC Fans For Diversity Hub.”
Uddin, diversity campaign manager at Football Supporters’ Federation, said: “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 of tremendous benefit to our community of fans.”
