Run by local community organisation Salaam Peace, this Walthamstow football team is seeking to slap down access barriers to Muslim girls
A girls football team in Walthamstow that is celebrating its fifth anniversary has been spotlighted for bringing girls from underrepresented backgrounds in football to the forefront.
Run by local community organisation Salaam Peace, one of its players is 15-year-old Mumtaz, whose journey with the sport began at a young age.
She said: “I started playing football at Edinburgh Primary school. As well as PE and lunchtime training, I would attend Salaam Peace’s weekend and holiday programmes. In the early days, I was often the only girl and went along with my brothers. I wasn’t into sports much before – I was more of a creative, artsy type – but the staff made me feel welcome, and the positive environment meant I was never uncomfortable.”
In 2020, Salaam Peace launched its dedicated girls’ football programme, which now includes regular sessions, volunteering pathways and even paid roles.
Salaam Peace’s local football programmes are funded by the London & Quadrant Foundation, which has contributed more than £9,000, including £3,000 towards female football and fitness classes at Edinburgh Primary School, and £6,070 for women’s sessions at Lloyd Park and the Seddon Centre.
A centre-midfielder, Mumtaz recalls one match that stands out: “It was our first game back after the summer holidays and we hadn’t trained much. I remember we won by three goals.”
As trailblazers, Mumtaz and the other players have inspired a new generation of budding young feet.
“I love mentoring,” she says. “ I like to think I’m someone younger children can talk to and who’s approachable. A role model they can look up to.”
Mumtaz’ story points not only to her own growth, but to the skyrocketing profile of women’s football in the UK.
“Five years ago, people wouldn’t have been excited about women’s football. Now, even for a friendly, loads of people are watching and cheering the lionesses on. There’s a sense of national pride that wasn’t there before,” said Mumtaz.
When the Salaam Peace team set foot on the football pitch, so too does the weight of their representation. Despite the increased popularity in women’s football since the 2022 World Cup win – with 68,000 more girls playing in England (Sport England) – participation among Muslim women and girls remains limited due to cultural and systemic issues in wider society.
“My parents wanted me to get into sports, but my grandma was strict about it,” says Mumtaz. “She didn’t get that chance, and neither did my aunties. My mum used to be there cheering me on. When you do play well, it’s amazing to have your family watching.”
As well as playing and coaching, Mumtaz has taken on more responsibility behind the scenes. Her tasks at Salaam Peace’s HQ at the Crate include responding to emails, planning events and processing staff payroll.
“Giving up weekends and evenings isn’t really a sacrifice”, she says. “I’m learning something new and connecting with my community.”
In December, her hard work was recognised with a Jack Petchey Achievement Award, which celebrates young people across London and Essex for their dedication and impact.
Looking ahead, Mumtaz hopes to see more grassroots opportunities and career paths created for girls. “Whether they want to play or coach, work behind the scenes or support from the sidelines, I want every girl and woman to know there’s a place for them in this game, whatever role they want to play.”
Her advice to younger girls? “Even if you think you’re bad at it, you’re not. There’s always a chance to get better if you work at it. The best footballers are always improving.”
Azi Mohammed, CEO of Salaam Peace said: “Mumtaz is a role model for all our participants. She is kind, articulate, well-organised and a very quick learner. Like many of our ‘community champions’, we are all very proud of the journey she has been on with us so far. We are excited to see what the future holds for her, both with football and in other areas of her life.”
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