TWO LOCAL organisations have successfully raised £3,000 for those affected by floods in Bangladesh following a football tournament which welcomed teams from far and wide.
Keighley-based Eden Community Association (ECA) and 1Vision joined forces to host the Goals4Bangladesh Tournament at Marley Activities and Coaching Centre on Sunday.
The sudden floods in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh have led to deaths and homelessness, sweeping away houses and roads and leaving many families trapped, unable to access food, clean water or electricity.
Money raised from the Keighley tournament will be used to help those who have lost loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods.
Fulzar Ahmed and Ashraf Miah, of ECA, and Aroj Ali of 1Vision played key roles in organising the event.
“We are very grateful to all our sponsors and businesses for their generous contributions,” Fulzar said.
“We thank all our volunteers, referees and the teams who participated. The tournament ran very smoothly, and everyone really enjoyed it.
“It was nice to see everyone pull together for a good cause.”
The situation in Bangladesh has left many people who were already struggling in an even tougher position, Fulzar added.
“A lot of people affected by the floods have absolutely nothing left,” he said.
“Many people in Bangladesh are already very poor. Some are being forced to stay in makeshift homes until help arrives – they are really struggling.
“There is also little access to clean water, causing disease.
“We’ll be donating the money raised to those who require our support. We’ll also be getting food parcels out there.
“As a community we must play our part and do whatever we can to help.”
The Goals4Bangladesh final was contested by two sides from Burnley – Danehouse and Mavericks.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Mavericks taking the title after winning on penalties.
Saidul Haque, of Danehouse, was voted player of the tournament.
Cllr John Kirby, Deputy Mayor of Keighley, attended the tournament and was pleased at what he saw.
“It was a pleasure to attend, a massive well done to the organisers for delivery a fabulous football tournament in Keighley,” he said.
“We need more of these to bring our youth and community together.”
Shaid Iqbal, Director of Alexandra Cousins Solicitors, based in Leeds, was one of the sponsors.
“I’m always supportive of community initiatives that promote charity work and community engagement,” he said.
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