Some Asian girls shy away from participating in sporting pursuits because of concerns about not being able to cover up.

But, while conscious of her Muslim religion, Safina Ahmed was always encouraged to achieve her goals.

She wore skirts for netball at school and, while she appreciates that some Asian women wouldn’t want that exposure, she believes they shouldn’t be put off participating in sports.

“I come from a modernised background, I have still got values but I was always brought up to do what I wanted within my boundaries,” says Safina.

Sport has had a positive impact on her life and now she’s hoping to share the benefits with others. “When I was at school I was very quiet, very shy and not confident. Playing netball for West Yorkshire and Leeds helped me to become a more confident person. I went on to captain the West Yorkshire netball team and that was a big personal achievement for me,” says Safina.

Now a qualified football coach, with a sports degree, she became involved with BD3 United FC, a football club for young people in Bradford, through her work as a mentor at Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College.

Since becoming a volunteer at the club in October, Safina is developing girls football.

Originally, around a dozen girls were participating in the weekly Sunday morning training sessions. Now there are 40 girls turning up to the sessions at Frame 2, a converted warehouse in Barkerend Road which has five pitches and a pool centre. The teams also train at Myra Shay Park in Barkerend.

Safina says her work with schools has enabled her to build up a good relationship with the girls and their parents.

“When I came here I said ‘I am from the same background, I still have my values and my religion and I am still doing it. Why can’t you do the same?’” says Safina.

Her intention is to introduce girls to sport and pass on the enjoyment it has given her.

“I am doing this for the girls, to give them the opportunity I have been given and help them to get those opportunities,” she says.

Football is generally perceived to be a male sport, but an increasing number of girls are taking it up. “It is an opportunity for them to go out there, have some exercise, socialise and interact. For some it’s not just about football, they can have the social engagement,” says Safina. “It’s a different environment from school and home, and it’s about having a good time and doing something you are passionate about.”

Since the club was set up five years ago, more than 100 youngsters have benefited from sporting opportunities. There are currently six teams, with around 140 boys training twice a week for matches. The girls-only sessions take place on Sunday mornings.

The club, BD3 United FC, impressed Bradford photographer Tony O’Connell, who took photographs of members for his forthcoming Acts Of Kindness exhibition.

Football coach Majid Ali set up the club after identifying a niche to provide physical activities for youngsters in the Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Thornbury areas of the city.

Initial funding came through the National Lottery and the club is now supported by a local businessman.

‘Living the Dream’ is an appropriate slogan for the club. Football enthusiast Majid never made it as a professional footballer, but is keen for youngsters to have the opportunity. Like many other volunteers I’ve spoken to, he wants to put something back into the community. “There were no football teams around the area then. Now there are, and the children have the chance to make it as professional footballers,” he says.

Majid believes the club is helping to promote community cohesion. It has also provided opportunities for parents too, with some becoming qualified coaches at the club.

Majid, who through the club is now coaching with Huddersfield Town’s academy, says some of the club’s youngsters have already gone on to join the youth set-ups at Huddersfield Town, Bradford City and Leeds United.

“Children watch football on TV and think it is a dream to be a professional footballer. For our children, wearing the kit and playing is their dream. So we can say our children are living the dream,” he says.

For more information about the club call 07885 390244 or visit bd3unitedfc.co.uk