BEAP Community Partnership has been shortlisted for two awards, recognising its contribution to diversity, inclusion, and mental health through sports and physical activity.
BEAP’s Bangla Bantams initiative has been nominated for the Fan Group Award at the Asian Football Awards 2024, highlighting its remarkable work in breaking down barriers and making football more accessible to the South Asian community.
Founded in 2015, Bangla Bantams works to bring underrepresented groups into the footballing world, winning previous accolades such as the Fans for Diversity Award at the Football Supporters’ Association Awards in 2015 and the Social Inclusion Project of the Year at the British Muslim Awards in 2020.
Some of BEAP’s achievements this year include organising match-day experiences for South Asian women, many of whom had never attended a football match before, as well as establishing a walking football team that competes in the local league, providing a welcoming space for older or less physically active individuals.
BEAP also collaborated with the BBC on a Radio 4 drama based on South Asian women becoming active members of the football community.
They hosted inclusive England Watch Parties during the Euros, attended by hundreds of fans, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. They also launched the Bradford City Fan Zone at BEAP, a family-friendly space offering free pre-match activities for young fans, ensuring football is accessible to children aged 0-16 and their families.
“We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the Fan Group Award,” said Hiron Miah, Chair of BEAP and Bangla Bantams. “It reflects the dedication of everyone involved in Bangla Bantams and the power of football to unite people from diverse backgrounds.”
In addition to the Fan Group Award, BEAP has also been shortlisted for the Mind Wellbeing Award at the Sporting Equals Awards, due to their initiatives that use physical activity to improve mental health within Bradford’s ethnically diverse communities.
Through projects such as Men Reaching Out and our Women’s Network, BEAP provides culturally sensitive and safe spaces for men and women to engage in sports like badminton, football, and tennis. These initiatives help build confidence, improve social connections, and support mental resilience in the community, directly addressing the mental health challenges faced by many.
“Being shortlisted for the Mind Wellbeing Award is a true honour and reflects the hard work we’ve done in Bradford to support mental and physical wellbeing through sport,” said Shahidur Rahman, Executive Director of BEAP. “We need your votes to help us continue this important work.”
To vote for Bangla Bantams for the Fan Group Award at the Asian Football Awards, visit www.asianfootballawards.com.
