Post by QPR Report on Nov 5, 2009 16:01:04 GMT
Regardless of whether or not he's the best defender in South Asia
Bradford Official Site
Rehman gives back to the local area
Bradford City and Pakistan national captain, Zesh Rehman has admitted to www.football-league.co.uk that part of his decision to join the Bantams was the vital community work underway at the club.
The 26-year-old international enjoyed a successful six-month loan spell with City from Queens Park Rangers in January last season but returned to sign permanently for Bradford in the summer.
And despite his primary reasons being football related, Rehman is adamant that the integral work done by the club's Community Foundation was a factor in his decision to join Bradford on a permanent basis.
"Every club that I have been at, I have been actively involved in the community," said Rehman to the Football League's official website.
"For me it is important to give something back to the community and the great work being done at Bradford was part of my decision to join the club permanently following the end of my loan.
"Clubs should use Bradford as a template. It has an Asian ambassador and now 200-300 school kids are coming in through the turnstiles to watch Bradford. They could be out causing trouble but they have chosen, with their parents' consent, to come and watch football."
Rehman joined Fulham's academy at 12, making his Premier League debut against Liverpool in 2004 to become the first British Asian to play in the division. He then went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion and Norwich City before his move to QPR.
The defender made his international debut for Pakistan against Sri Lankan in 2005 and currently holds six senior caps for his country.
Off-the-field, Rehman is an ambassador for the Asian Football Network as well as a familiar face with Anti-Racism projects and since his arrival at the Coral Windows Stadium, has dedicated himself to bridging the gap between the club and the local Asian Community.
"At Bradford we want to see kids of all backgrounds at the club and I would love to see more Asians in the stands and more taking an interest in the club," he added. I hope they will catch the bug and bring their mates along.
"There shouldn't be a barrier between the communities, it doesn't matter if you are English or Asian and if I can play my part in helping people realise that I will do whatever I can.
"It is my intention that in the long-run this work will bring more Asian players into the game. At the moment there are only two or three Asian players which is terrible.
"There is a lot of interest from other clubs in integrating football into the community. Football is a massive vehicle for change worldwide and is key for spreading vital messages to do with race and community."
Rehman is one of many examples throughout The Football League where players are actively involved in giving something back to their locality - a gesture that is encourage and appreciated by The League.
"Role models are crucial in helping deliver all the community initiatives undertaken by our schemes," said Dave Edmundson, General Manager of The Football League Trust.
"That is why we included a requirement in the criteria standards for players to be used as ambassadors if possible and to make a wide range of appearances to support their clubs in their community work.
"In conjunction with the PFA we are able to ensure that players are an integral part of the work being achieved and it is a tribute to all the players involved that their contribution have been so positive, encouraging and supportive."
www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1867334,00.html
Bradford Official Site
Rehman gives back to the local area
Bradford City and Pakistan national captain, Zesh Rehman has admitted to www.football-league.co.uk that part of his decision to join the Bantams was the vital community work underway at the club.
The 26-year-old international enjoyed a successful six-month loan spell with City from Queens Park Rangers in January last season but returned to sign permanently for Bradford in the summer.
And despite his primary reasons being football related, Rehman is adamant that the integral work done by the club's Community Foundation was a factor in his decision to join Bradford on a permanent basis.
"Every club that I have been at, I have been actively involved in the community," said Rehman to the Football League's official website.
"For me it is important to give something back to the community and the great work being done at Bradford was part of my decision to join the club permanently following the end of my loan.
"Clubs should use Bradford as a template. It has an Asian ambassador and now 200-300 school kids are coming in through the turnstiles to watch Bradford. They could be out causing trouble but they have chosen, with their parents' consent, to come and watch football."
Rehman joined Fulham's academy at 12, making his Premier League debut against Liverpool in 2004 to become the first British Asian to play in the division. He then went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion and Norwich City before his move to QPR.
The defender made his international debut for Pakistan against Sri Lankan in 2005 and currently holds six senior caps for his country.
Off-the-field, Rehman is an ambassador for the Asian Football Network as well as a familiar face with Anti-Racism projects and since his arrival at the Coral Windows Stadium, has dedicated himself to bridging the gap between the club and the local Asian Community.
"At Bradford we want to see kids of all backgrounds at the club and I would love to see more Asians in the stands and more taking an interest in the club," he added. I hope they will catch the bug and bring their mates along.
"There shouldn't be a barrier between the communities, it doesn't matter if you are English or Asian and if I can play my part in helping people realise that I will do whatever I can.
"It is my intention that in the long-run this work will bring more Asian players into the game. At the moment there are only two or three Asian players which is terrible.
"There is a lot of interest from other clubs in integrating football into the community. Football is a massive vehicle for change worldwide and is key for spreading vital messages to do with race and community."
Rehman is one of many examples throughout The Football League where players are actively involved in giving something back to their locality - a gesture that is encourage and appreciated by The League.
"Role models are crucial in helping deliver all the community initiatives undertaken by our schemes," said Dave Edmundson, General Manager of The Football League Trust.
"That is why we included a requirement in the criteria standards for players to be used as ambassadors if possible and to make a wide range of appearances to support their clubs in their community work.
"In conjunction with the PFA we are able to ensure that players are an integral part of the work being achieved and it is a tribute to all the players involved that their contribution have been so positive, encouraging and supportive."
www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1867334,00.html