Emdad Rahman
NFA Leeds have celebrated a landmark achievement by being crowned the new Sonali Othith UK Masters champions.
Twenty UK based squads made up of veteran footballers aged 35 plus took part in the football extravaganza at Mabley Green, Hackney.
As captain Anu Miah lifted the prestigious grassroots trophy the Yorkshire based outfit achieved a historic first in the oldest Bangladeshi veterans football tournament in the country.
NFA Leeds turned the tide to record northern success for the first time ever in the tournament after defeating a dominant and much fancied Shadwell FC on penalties in the final.
Leeds stifled the superior firepower of Shadwell and this was crucial in taking the title back up the M1. Typically, it was Leeds goalkeeper Janu Miah who was declared man of the match.
“We travelled to London with a winning mentality,” said Leeds manager Jahangir Miah. “My players have a positive mindset and our belief and desire has got us through today. It’s brilliant that this crop of players have become the first northerners to win this prestigious championship.”
Sonali Othith Chair Jamal Uddin commented, “We’ve been part of a day of great football and fanfare. At Sonali Othith we are committed to bringing the community together and football serves this purpose well.
“We are proud to be at true forefront of engaging veteran footballers. Congratulations to NFA Leeds on a historic triumph.”
Participating teams: Sonali Othith UK Masters 2022
1. Kentish Town 2. Camden 3. B Osmani 4. Shoreditch 5. Wapping 6. G7 7. Poplar 8. Hawk and Eagle 9. NFA Leeds 10. Mohammedan 11. Bromley 12. Weavers 13. Spartak Luton 14. Revive 15. Shadwell 16. Beaumont 17. MK Durbar 18. MM FC 19. North West Vets 20. FC Veterans