Leeds youth group One Formation reaches out to city's homeless

One Formation’s young volunteers prepared dozens of seekh kebab dishes and fresh milkshakes, which they handed out to those in need.

And towards the end of the evening, a spontaneous game of street football brought the youngsters together with the people they had fed that night in the city centre.

Mushad Ahmed, who founded the organisation, said “We ended up playing football with the guys in the square. It was such a touching moment. Everyone was having a laugh together. It was so brilliant to see.”

The organisation, which also runs a football club, has hosted a number of community Iftars to celebrate the daily breaking of fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan when charitable work is encouraged.

Although Friday night’s event was the last in the series of Iftars, it was the first time One Formation had partnered up with local group Feed The Homeless.

Support also came from the team at Ice Scoop Gelato in Harehills, whose chefs helped oversee the food preparation.

Mr Ahmed said: “Because we’re a local football team and we know a lot of the businesses, they’re fully aware of what our members do. Everybody is always keen to support us, especially with this kind of thing.”

The members who took part were all aged between 14 and 18 and are involved in the football club as well other activities.

“For some, this was the first time they’ve gone out and some charitable work,” Mr Ahmed said. “They’ve really enjoyed it.”

He said the final event took on particular significance as it coincided with The Great Get Together events to remember murdered MP Jo Cox, adding: “We want to be as much a part of the community as we can be, and there’s been a lot of positivity and encouragement.”