Annie Zaidi helped Sporting Equals to launch their social cohesion project ‘Making Equals’ #WeAreMakingEquals in Croydon.
The Sporting Equals Making Equals project works to engage and attract diverse young people between the age of 15 and 25 through sport and physical activity. The project helps build empathy between different communities, particularly focusing on breaking down barriers across race, faith and disability.
Making Equals has been delivered in Bradford and Burnley and with the support of Annie Zaidi was launched in the London borough of Croydon last week. Annie was tasked with delivering a myth busting masterclass where she addressed social cohesion and breaking down barriers. Annie spoke about how she has boldly forged a pathway in sport as the first Muslim female UEFA B coach in the UK and Europe and the stereotypes about race, religion and gender that she has transcended along the way.
It was an honour for Annie to be involved in a project that provides disadvantaged young people with the key skills and knowledge to improve social cohesion within communities and expand life opportunities.
Speaking of her involvement, Annie said,
“It was such an honour to be involved in an initiative that uses different workshops to empower and inspire young people. Having spent the past 12 years as a youth and community worker I am passionate about bringing together young people from different backgrounds and encouraging them to see a perspective that they don't see in their every day lives."