The Enquirer
Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, visited the launch of the Leftley Sports Club, Barking on Saturday (March 17) to pay tribute to the initiative and hard work of the locals on the Leftley estate
Anwar Hussain said: “This is a community based club for the local residents to partake in physical activities to improve health and well-being. It is a non-profit organisation and our activities are all free of charge.”
The club was set up in Anwar’s back garden by him and his friends when he was gardening one Sunday morning.
“I was cutting the grass and hedges in my garden, and I couldn’t find the motivation to do it on my own so I asked some of my friends round to help me and together we did it all in two hours. This then made me think why don’t we as a group, do physical activities and set up a sports club – so we did,” Anwar continued.
The team began a running club on Saturday and have now expanded activities to include badminton, cycling and a unique event called ‘dads and lads football’.
Anwar added: “We have been running this club for over a year now and have over a hundred and forty members and it is growing at a fast rate. Today is about highlighting the club and recognising the achievements of all our members and volunteers and celebrating everything we have achieved so far.
“It is also to let all the locals know that we are out there and have lots of free activities for them to come and join in.”