Winning Somers Town kids show Future’s bright now!

Published: August 11, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

A GROUP of footballers from Somers Town have been praised as a perfect example of what can be achieved when youngsters work together.

Somers Town Future manager Zubair Matin insists that his team is the proof that not all young people are trouble-makers, and that it’s ridiculous to suggest otherwise.

After proudly watching his under-16s team win the Tower Hamlets Five-A-Side Community Cup, Zubair said: “This is a positive message from youngsters within the borough at such a testing time. I don’t think it’s fair to portray all young people as looters and people who create havoc.

“There needs to be more initiatives and resources to help harness their energy. There’s so much good in the young people across London, they just need the right people around them to help them grow and mature.”

Zubair is one of the keen volunteers who work at Somers Town Future, an organisation set up in 1996 to bring young people together and help combat the growing tensions in the area at the time.

Among the various projects they run is the football team, who won the Tower Hamlets Community Cup with a 1-0 victory over Azhar Academy. Charlie Gorman scored the winner, while captain Afsar Miah and Ibrahim Mantete were also singled out for praise.

Zubair, who runs the team with Eashmota Khatoon, was delighted after seeing his team save their best till last. “We’ve won various trophies over the years, but this was the biggest because we had to travel beyond Camden and take on some of the best youth teams from across London.

“After four years as a team this was the last time that the boys will play together before moving on to do their own things. To win such a prestigious trophy and go out on a high was very satisfying.

“All the credit goes to the players. They’ve forged a friendship and stuck together over the years, worked really hard and really deserve their success. The team represents the diversity within Somers Town. We have a great blend of players from different backgrounds and nationalities who worked together to break down barriers.”

Somers Town Future enjoyed further success in the Tower Hamlets Community Cup when their under-14s side finished as runners-up after narrowly losing in the final.

The team is currently recruiting new players to compete in the under-14s division of the Camden and Regent’s Park Youth League this season. Anyone interest should call Zubair on 07737 387 634 for details.