‘A space to belong’: How this Leeds football tournament is changing representation in sport
Football has always been more than just a game - it’s a shared passion that turns strangers into team maters.
And right here in Leeds, that idea will be on full display as one grassroots tournament aims to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and bring communities together,
For Ali Ahmadi this will happen one seven-a-side match at a time.
He first created the Ayendah Sazan Community Tournament last year as he wanted to challenge stereotypes and promote widespread sports inclusion.
Ali told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “The British Afghan community is an underrepresented group, especially in organised grassroots sports.
“I wanted to create this space to help remove barriers for participation, build confidence, and give a sense of belonging and pride.”
The Ayendah Sazan Community Tournament will return on July 5 at Bodington Football Hub and will see teams from across the UK participate in short seven aside matches from 9am - 6pm.
The event is primarily focused on British Afghan inclusion, however each team is allowed two non Afghan members to bring as many people together as possible.
Ali said: “(In each team) two people from other cultures can come and connect with us. That’s what the Leeds community is all about.
“We live in a big multicultural society where everyone is from everywhere which is the beauty of it.”
Ali himself is from a Hazara ethnic background, one of the largest ethnic minorities in Afghanistan. He first moved to the UK as a refugee as a child.
Now 29, Ali has lived in Leeds for more than two decades and it’s an area that he sees as his home.
He wants the Ayendah Sazan Community Tournament to be a chance to give back to the community and show an image of immigrants “doing good” in the country they have settled in.
Ali’s passion for football has existed from childhood and now he dedicates his time to encouraging others to pursue the sport.
Yet, he believes the Ayendah Sazan Community Tournament would not be possible without the support of the community to help organise and deliver the event
Ali said: “The energy, passion, and support from the community is incredible.
“It pushes you to keep going.”
Ali’s ultimate ambition is for the tournament to grow bigger each year and to provide British Afghan football players with further sports opportunities.
Ali said: “The whole idea is to get British Afghans on the map.
“I hope to one day see more British Afghans playing in professional sports and representing this country.”