Grassroots clubs celebrate at annual awards night

The Inner London Football League was hailed a resounding success at The White House, as Newham celebrated the best of grassroots football during a star studded ceremony.

The ILFL has been delivering grassroots football for 15 years and the evening was hosted by David Joseph.

Kamruz Zaman, chairman of ILFL, said: “There are 70-plus teams that take part in our tournaments. The ILFL has featured on Match Of The Day 2. We work in partnership with Sonai Othith, London Tigers and other organisations.

“I’d like to thank the sponsors and our committee for putting in so much effort to keep our organisation afloat.”

Sonali Othith vice-chair Jamal Uddin presented the 2015/16 TVL Challenge Cup trophy to winners Beaumont Masters and the veterans cup to Weavers.

Chair Dawlath Khan Babul and media secretary Faruque Mahfuz Ahmed presented the Division Two winners trophy to Riverside Vets and the Division One championship to Weavers.

The Premiership runners-up trophy went to Stepney FC, with the champions trophy awarded to London Tigers as Khan announced a new Sylhet Division District tournament will commence in October.

Ahmed added: “We face many challenges on on a daily basis when trying to deliver football to our communities. I request our esteemed politicians, many of whom are here tonight to support our communities through the provision of sporting facilities.”

The ILFL Champions Cup is the most prestigious trophy and is made up of the champions of four different leagues.

Gower All Stars took home the crown, with Stepney FC as runners-up.

Tower Hamlets Deputy Mayor Cllr Sirajul Islam and Deputy Speaker Cllr Sabina Akhtar also gave speeches on the night and Kamal Chowdhury, of Abohani Veterans, said: “It was a great evening of celebrations. Thanks to ILFL for running such efficient football programmes which benefit so many people in so many ways.”