Zesh Rehman's Bradford project is extended to UK (From Asian Image)

Zesh Rehman's Bradford project is extended to UK

7:30am Monday 12th December 2011 in Sport By James Rush

A charity set up by former Bradford City captain Zesh Rehman is to see its programme spread across the country.

The Zesh Rehman Foundation, which began at Valley Parade in 2010, is set to start its Primary Kick About Linking-Schools programme in Manchester and London from next year.

The foundation used a National Lottery grant to establish the programme in 20 different primary schools across the Bradford district.

“The programme links together schools, encouraging children to make new friends, mix with children from different backgrounds and value diversity,” said Mr Rehman. “Bradford is very close to my heart and I have fond memories of my time there. Every time I visit I always make an effort to visit the club and speak with the staff who I built a friendship with.

“The community department at the club is doing great work and hopefully my foundation can forge a solid partnership so we can reach out to more kids.”

Samir Butt, who recently graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a degree Sports Development, is the sports development co-ordinator for the foundation.

He said: “It’s fantastic for the foundation to get recognition for all its efforts since the programme started. We have worked with more than 20 schools around Bradford since March and close to 700 children have benefited so far, which is more than we initially anticipated.”

For more information about the charity visit zeshrehmanfoundation.org.