On Sunday 15th March 2015, British youth from across the North-West gathered in Manchester to play football and fundraise for families who have lost loved ones to terrorism in Pakistan.
The football tournament organised by the Islamic Unity Society (IUS) Aid helped fundraise over £3000 for families affected by terrorism.
The systematic assassination and brutal killings in Pakistan has seen over 30,000 innocent killed. The brutality of these killings has shown no regard for age, or gender. Victims have included from young babies to the very old and infirm, men of working age, to young school girls and pregnant women.
In aftermath of these killings a number of families have been plunged into poverty without their breadwinners, and left with the deep emotional scarring that the sudden loss of a loved-one brings. In the last 3 months alone attacks on Christian and Shia places of worship has seen over 100 people brutally murdered. Many of those injured have been left maimed and disabled for life.
Zain Sheikh one of the tournament organisers explained: “a number of youth living here in Britain have lost loved ones to terrorism in Pakistan. For us this is not only a family matter, it goes to the core of who we are as human beings, and the responsibility we have in standing-up against oppression”
“Our objective is to bring British Muslim Youth together over football, something which they all enjoy and have the privilege to play in the safety and security of this country, but at the same time not forget about those youth who are being killed and oppressed elsewhere”.
This year the football tournament, included youth of Afghani, East African, Hazara, Indian, Iranian, Iraqi, Lebanese, Pakistani, as well as, White British origin. There was representation from the local communities of Manchester, Bury, Bolton, Todmodern, Rochdale, Blackburn, Burnley, some participants traveling from as far as Oxford and Bradford. The tournament was eventually won by Team Pakistan 180, after a thrilling final with the previous holders Iran360.
You can donate and support the IUS Martyrs Appeal by visiting:
www.justgiving.com/martyrsappeal
Or donating by texting MTYR72 £10 to 70070.
The IUS Aid team would like to thank to everyone who participated in another successful Hyderi Cup Football Tournament 2015! We managed to fundraise over £3000. This will help support the people of Pakistan who are most in need after suffering from terrorist attacks over the last few months. #IUSAID
Qasim Shah and Musa Naqvi
IUS Aid Team
