Muslim youth football match raises £10,000 in memory of victims of Manchester Arena attack

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK has raised a massive £10,000 in memory of the 22 people who lost their lives in the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

The organisation, together with British Red Cross, organised a 24-hour football match which saw 40 teams and 250 British Muslims travel from as far as London to raise funds at the Powerleague Trafford Soccerdome this weekend (24th March).

The £10,000 raised will go towards the UK Solidarity Fund set up by British Red Cross in 2017 following attacks in Manchester and London to help people affected by terror attacks in the UK.

Abdul Rauf Lodhi, event organiser, said: "We held this event in memory of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack which took place last year. We are grateful to the youth who travelled far and wide to take part and make it a resounding success.

"This event is one of many in an effort to help our youth understand the true peaceful values of Islam and to become involved positively while having fun.

"Football has always been a sport that unites communities. Our youth members are not only keen footballers but they are also committed volunteers who strive to serve those in need as they have been taught that this is a religious duty of a Muslim. The whole event was organised by volunteers and the £10,000 we've raised will all go to the cause. We are British, we are Muslims and we stand united against extremism."

"We are grateful to Mayor of Trafford and Stockport who came in support of our event. Mayor of Trafford was also very gracious in offering to referee a game during the event.”