Story Rafiq Saleh and Khalid Salih Photos: Nicholaus Hall
When funding for Burngreave Sports Network came to an end, Rafiq Saleh, Amin Saleh and Tariq Ahmed set up Burngreave FC. The team is currently for people aged 17 upwards and we aim to encourage young people into the team. We are always looking for a local business to sponsor the team.
The Team has had a stunning cup run reaching the semi-final of the Cyril Milner League Cup. BFC was one of 3 clubs to receive a bye in the first round. In the second round we were drawn against Sheffield Bankers away at Sheffield United Cricket Club. We won the game comfortably 10-4 although we did concede 2 goals in the last couple of minutes. Mohammed Al-Mutareb got 4 quality goals, Yahia Asaad got a brace, Khalid Salih, Bilal Ahmed, Rory Powell and Sharaz Noor completing the score.
In the quarter finals we came up against Thurgoland Welfare. Away again, we were behind at 2-1 but in the 2nd half we went up a gear and won 4-2. Rory Powell stole the show with a brace. Mohammed Al-Mutareb and an own goal completed the score. We then came up against Gleadless in the semi final. A mistake from the keeper cost us a goal and Gleadless was leading 1-0 at half time. In the 2nd half our strikers, Mohammed Al-Mutareb and Yahia Asaad wasted a hatful of glorious opportunities to win the game comfortably and Gleadless punished us for not taking our chances by getting a second. Khalid Salih pulled one back, blasting the ball through the defenders and goalkeeper to halve the deficit. We then pushed on and committed players forward to get an equaliser but Gleadless found gaps and got the goal which put them through to the Final.
In our first season, Khalid, Mohammed A, Mohammed M and Yehia have worked hard to maintain the team. We have over 35 individuals improving weekly, we have learned to get along with each other and all sacrificed something for the team. We have young people turning up to our home games to watch and encourage – that really gives players a sense of pride.
Currently we train at Fir Vale Astroturf on Wednesdays 6pm- 7.45pm. Anyone interested is welcome to come.
www.burngreavefc.com
