Eleeza Khan
At just 17, Eleeza became one of Wales’ first female Muslim referees alongside her sister. As Vice Chair of the FAW Youth Council, she leads female-only football sessions, inspiring young Muslim girls to break barriers in sports. Eleeza’s accolades include Cardiff Volunteer Centre’s Young Volunteer of the Year and the National Welsh Black Youth Award for Sports. She has also represented Wales at the UEFA EURO 2028 conference and successfully completed the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for charity.
Jalal is a forward-thinking leader who started Amar Cymru, Exiles Together, and the Bengal Dragons Foundation. He’s all about getting South Asian voices into sports and making sure mental well-being is a priority. He’s done a great job bringing people together and pushing for programs that support both physical and mental health in his community. His efforts include creating platforms for South Asians to participate actively in sports, build unity, and celebrate their heritage.
A trailblazing para-athlete and basketball player, Funmi has represented Great Britain and Wales in international competitions. She earned All-Star Five at the European Basketball Championships in 2019 and holds top UK rankings in discus and shot put. Funmi’s contributions to sports extend beyond the field, participating in media projects and mentoring initiatives to inspire young athletes.
Curtis has earned four international caps for Barbados and achieved a significant milestone in his recovery from epilepsy through sports. His achievements include playing in the FA Cup First Round and securing a record-breaking, unbeaten season with Penybont FC in the Welsh Premier League. Curtis is an advocate for sports as a transformative tool for personal growth and resilience.
Despite being visually impaired, Rehnaz defies barriers as a fitness instructor, promoting adaptability and inclusivity. She has completed the Cardiff Half Marathon and achieved personal bests in park runs while raising funds for sight loss charities. Her work empowers individuals to embrace fitness and lead healthier lives.
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and Wales’ first female Muslim MMA athlete, Sakinah has coached over 40 young girls, inspiring them to pursue sports confidently. Her achievements include a bronze medal at the IMMAF Youth MMA World Championships and representing Wales on the global stage.
As a national voluntary youth organization, Urdd bridges gaps between Welsh and ethnic minority communities through bilingual sports programs. Their initiatives include leadership training and sports activities, promoting inclusivity while incorporating the Welsh language to engage diverse groups across South Cardiff.
A grassroots sports advocate, Nooh has introduced cricket, rugby, and tennis to underserved communities in Cardiff. His achievements include founding the EEY (Educate, Empower, Youth) project and successfully raising funds for mental health awareness through sporting initiatives.
This initiative has connected over 100 individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds to sports like cricket, sailing, and tennis. This Nicky led project focuses on providing culturally appropriate and religiously respectful opportunities, breaking barriers to participation and empowering young people.
This project uses sports to integrate young people from ethnic minority backgrounds, offering opportunities in boxing, rugby, and football. Its provides a safe space for diverse participants, fostering unity and breaking barriers.
With over 50 years of service, Steve has transformed Cardiff’s youth landscape through sports and leadership programs. As a trustee of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Wales, his legacy includes initiatives like the Butetown Mile and the COMPAS curriculum, which have empowered generations.
