Salaam Peace inspiring future generations.

Salaam Peace have been partnered with Sporting Equals for 10 years and achieved a lot during that time, allowing those from disadvantaged communities to access sport and physical activity, not only at a grassroots level but also facilitating elite talent pathways.

The organisation was founded by Dr Sabir A Bham (Sab), who holds several board positions including being part of the FA Equalities Advisory board. Sab is of a strong sporting background having played for his county football team when he was younger. Speaking of his skills as a youth his friend said “I was immediately impressed by Sabi’s skill level, his composure, and most of all his attitude. He had a caring manner, he appreciated good football, and most of all, he wanted to play football the right way, with respect and dignity.”  At this point in time, he was the only Asian player within the county and experienced racism at the hand of not only other players but also their parents who had come to spectate, Sab was determined to push through. Despite wanting to pursue a career within the professional game Sab had a knee injury and became a young dad leading to him focusing his efforts elsewhere with in the sector. Working at Leyton Orient and then founding Salaam Peace.

Azi at the London Impact Awards 

Azi is the deputy CEO at Salaam Peace and started as a participant 15 years ago attending sports sessions run by the organisation. He is of a strong sporting background and when younger showed strength in several sports including, Tennis, Football and Cricket – where he played in the Essex CCC youth set up. Azi’s love of sport and support from Salaam peace has inspired him to take up coaching, initially he volunteered in local afterschool clubs while studying and as time went on, he enjoyed this being a level two FA coach, LTA Level 1 Tennis coach and sports activator coaching sports such as Cricket, Baseball and Wallball. During his time at university Azi completed a project management internship with Sport England, which developed his passion for Sports Delivery and engagement. Azi’s role as deputy CEO means he sits across all elements of Salaam Peace; delivering presentations, fundraising application, meeting with partners including, Sprot England London Youth, Rugby Union and councillors.

Mohammed is one of Sab’s protégés, who Salaam Peace engage with, he plays for West Essex FC and is a Level one Coach. Recently his team won the league and got to the Essex Cup Final with Mohammed scoring some incredible goals throughout the season including a free kick against PYO. All of Mohammed’s had work and determination comes despite losing two of his best friends last year to knife crime, Mohammed has been determined to continue with his Sports and Studies. As well as being an avid player Mohammed also now coaches with Salaam Peace too with several sessions for the girl’s teams.

Esa & Sab at the Emirates

Sab’s second protégé is 13-year-old Esa. Esa has been involved with Salaam peace since he was three-year-old. More recently, Esa was recently talent ID’d at the Eid cup which led to him having trials and subsequently being signed for the Arsenal Academy Player Development Centre. Speaking of signing with the Academy Esa said its “a unique opportunity and all the hard work and support from Sab and Nugent (who got me started aged 3) I am thankful for. I will continue to work hard. listen, learn and enjoy.” Esa has shown hard work and determination from an early age with his PE teacher Tyler speaking candidly about how well he applies himself in lessons “As an athlete he is a PE teachers dream, dedicated and determined to put in 100% in all sports he takes part in. Over the past two years I’ve watched Esa grow and develop both personally and academically. He truly is one student that has a very bright future due to the support system he has around him amongst family and friends.”

The stories of Azi, Mohammed and Esa serve as testament to the incredible work which Salaam peace carry out. Sporting Equals have worked in partnership with Salaam Peace since 2014, when they joined as an Associate Member, actively supporting the Salaam Peace Leicester initiative. The partnership has also helped brokerage dialogue between Sab Bham and Seema Jaswal. Alongside programmes which have allowed Salaam Peace to upskill staff in a more welcoming football set up and led to their advanced development centres for girls.

You can find out more about South Asian Heritage Month here. 

SAHM Blogs 2024

Click the links below to read our other blogs from 2024 South Asian Heritage Month.

Muhammad Haqq - Director of Football at Los Campos FC

Aroz Miah - CEO of Sporting Foundation