The people behind Leicester Nirvana FC, winner of the English FA’s Grassroots Club of the Year award, say it is the club’s “care and compassion” for the local community that has helped it to stand out.
Club officials received the award at Wembley Stadium in London during the Community Shield between Crystal Palace and Liverpool, which acts as the annual curtain-raiser for the new football season.
Nirvana, which was one of the first clubs to become an official member of the United Nations Football for the Goals and remain a committed supporter of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, has been running for more than 40 years.
“This award isn’t just for the club – it’s for every person who has been part of our journey,” said the club's chair Zak Hajat.
“Grassroots football is about more than the game; it’s about community, belonging, and giving young people the belief that they can achieve on and off the pitch. We’re incredibly proud to represent Leicester on the national stage.”
The FA’s grassroots awards were hosted by Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman, with England stars including Sir Geoff Hurst, John Barnes, Rachel Yankey OBE, Paul Merson, Sue Smith, Rachel Brown-Finnis and Emile Heskey, presenting the 12 categories.
POSITIVE
Leicester Nirvana FC was selected from more than 1000 nominations for the club award. It regularly organises events, workshops and outreach programmes aimed at creating positive relationships within the local community and helping to support personal development for young people so they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
The club also has its own Net Zero strategy and there are plans to introduce new sustainability projects, and to further enhance the facilities available to players and their families.
Community Lead Ivan Liburd (pictured below) commented: “Our vision is to create a lasting legacy that inspires future generations. We want to ensure that Leicester Nirvana remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people aspiring to succeed in football and in life.”
In this short video showcasing the club’s impact, Ivan explains: “What makes Leicester Nirvana stand out is the care and compassion.
“There's a lot of communities that don't have the opportunity to progress in certain areas. We just want to create that atmosphere and give them a platform so [the young people] can go on and be great.
“There's over 70 nationalities in the club. We're not just based around one, religion, race, etc. It's about everybody - it's football for all.”
OPPORTUNITY
Zak added: “Unfortunately for us, we've lost a lot of youngsters through knife crime, so while football might be the prime operator, there's a lot more that we can help and do to support these youngsters that you see around.
“We were given the opportunity when we were young; I feel it's important to give back to the community. That's why I do what I do - for all the children.”
Find out more at leicesternirvana.com
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