Cougars host flood appeal game

The British Asian Rugby Association will take on a newly-formed team of all-party MPs, known as the Political Animals, to raise funds and awareness for the Pakistan Flood Appeal.

The event has been organised by Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland and BARA managing director and dual-code international Ikram Butt, with the co-operation of the Cougars.

Mulholland, vice-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group and skipper of the Political Animals, said: “I don’t need much excuse to get the lads together for a game and this is as good an excuse as it gets.”

Bradford-based Butt, who also manages the Leeds Rugby Foundation’s Connecting Communities Project, added: “I never miss a chance through rugby league to try to bring communities together.

“It promises to be a great day for an important cause. The day begins from 11am at Cougar Park, where there will be rugby league skills and fun activities for children and young people.

“However, we will be widening the scope of the event through MOSIAC, an organisation which has Prince Charles as patron, HAMARA – which promotes healthy living among the South Asian Communities – the Makkah Mosque and St Lukes Cares.

“We will be bringing youngsters from the Leeds and Bradford area and I’m sure everyone will have a good time.”

Hasan Pooya, chairman of the Pakistan Rugby League Association, will also be in attendance.

Cougars chairman Gary Fawcett believes the event will reinforce the club’s campaign to engage all communities and cultures within the Keighley area.

He said: “Rugby league has always been a sport for everybody, yet there are communities and cultural groups that are under-represented in our sport and, importantly, at our club.

“We want to break down whatever barriers, real or perceived, that are getting in the way. Our campaign is going to reach out across the social and cultural spectrum of the area and this event is a statement of intent.”