Bangla Bantams boss looks for awards upset against Premier League opponents

A Bradford man will be looking for an upset when he does battle with representatives of Premier League giants for a national football award. Humayun Islam, 40, chairman of the Bangla Bantams, a Bradford City supporters’ group, has been shortlisted for the behind-the-scenes prize at the Asian Football Awards (AFA), reports the Telegraph and Argus. He is up against Rashid Abba, education manager at West Ham United, and Nav Singh, sports scientist at Arsenal, for the honour.The ceremony has been organised by Inventive Sports consultancy firm and is supported by the Football Association (FA). It is not the first time Mr Islam or the Bangla Bantams have been up for a national award. The group won the inaugural Fans for Diversity Award at the Football Supporters’ Federation Awards held last year. Bangla Bantams was set up in February 2015 with help from the Fans for Diversity campaign fund, which is jointly run by anti-racism group Kick It Out and the Football Supporters’ Federation. The project promotes and encourages participation by the South Asian community in grassroots football in the district.Mr Islam said he was happy to be shortlisted for the award, but hopes for an upset over his Premier League opponents. He said: “It is amazing to be part of the awards. “It’s great to be shortlisted and nominated for it. I’m really pleased but it’s really daunting. “It is harder work for a League One club like Bradford City to raise its profile, than it is for a Premier League club. I will be looking for an upset on the awards night. “It is amazing to be part of the AFA night. I’m really humbled to be part of the night and to be nominated.
Also Read: Bangla Bantams raising funds to help disadvantaged fans enjoy Bradford City matches
“It is also recognition for all of the hard work we have done. It shows that you can get recognised. “It helps to put Bradford on the map. I’m hoping to win and bring the trophy back up north. “For me it’s great to go down south for the awards and be part of something with people associated with other professional clubs. If it does happen, and I win, then that is the cherry on the cake. “Bangla Bantams is about bringing the wider community together. It is to use football for community cohesion work. “We want to continue with our work and inspire more young people, especially, to get into football. Going to Valley Parade, the crowd is so diverse now.”The Asian Football Awards (AFA) were created in 2012 to reward and recognise Asian people in the football industry. The aim is to provide a platform for Asian people to promote their skills while also showing the footballing world that coaches, volunteers, players, administrators and fans are Asians who love the game. It is one of ten categories, the others are the FA For All; coach; young player recognition; non-league player; media; grassroots; team; women’s player and player recognition awards. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 14, at The Grange St Paul’s Hotel, London. Mr Islam is also chairman of Shapla Sports Initiative, a scheme which holds sports sessions for children at the BEAP Community Sports Hall, Cornwall Road, Manningham.

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