Zeeshan Arif's Blog

My year in the ISoc limelight!

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Last year I made the decision to run for sports officer for the Islamic Society at the University of Leeds.  I had a full time job and was at university part-time so why did I go for the position?

During my first two years as a full time student I found that there were two social events which a majority of people did at university. One was to go drinking and the other was to play sports.

During my first year there were no sports organised by the isoc. There were no muslims on my course either so I had to make friends with non muslims. I would play sports with them but it was always awkward when they wanted to go to the pub after a game of squash or badminton.  I knew my religious obligations but I also wanted to make friends and not make a scene.

There was an isoc sports officer for my 2nd and 3rd year at university but the sports organised was random and always poorly attended. You couldn’t play football...

Football Match Report - Week 4

Friday 2 March 2012

It was a mixed night of results for the isoc teams. A makeshift One Ummah side battled bravely but lost their first match of the season to the league leaders. Whilst Isoc Legends came from 2 goals behind to win 4-3 and take a big step towards the 2nd round. Read the match reports for futher details about the matches.

One Ummah 0 - 3 Japandas

The One Ummah team line up was Zeeshan, Azhar, Idrees, Koosh, Hashim. Sub: Nabeel

The One Ummah had to make several changes to their line up for the top of the table clash. The One Ummah came up against a well organised side who had a former isoc committee member in their team (Zoheb). The One Ummah started the better and Idrees made a great run and should have scored but dragged his shot wide.

The opposition controlled the game and scored after a back heel from the opposition player caught the defence by suprise and the opposition strker smashed the ball at the back of the net. The barrage of shots...

Football Match Report - Week 3

Wednesday 22 February 2012

One Ummah 2 - 2 SLAPsoc

The One Ummah team line up was Ayoub, Mahdiyar, AK, Aimen, Jaafer. Sub: Hashim

Jaafer and Ayoub were making their first appearances of the season as the team had to make some last minute changes.

The opposition passed the ball well but all the chances were being created by One Ummah. However, the keeper was in inspirational form to frustrate Aimen and Jaafer.

The opposition took the lead but the One Ummah responded well and scored two goals which were scored by the impressive Jaafer.

More good work by the opposition keeper meant the game could not be put away and SLAPsoc made them pay with a late goal to end the game 2-2

Isoc Legends 5 - 3 Nearly North United

The Isoc Legends team lineup was Zeeshan, Tarn, Nabeel, Oday and Aimen.  Subs: Hunain, Tony

The Legends took on the league leaders and were not fazed by the occasion as Aimen scored within the first minute to shock the opposition....

Match reports - Week 2

Saturday 18 February 2012

After the matches been called off last week due to snow the One Ummah and Isoc Legends were eager to start their first games of the season.

One Ummah 3 - 1 Victorious Secret

The One Ummah team line up was Zeeshan, Mahdiyar, Koosh, AK and Aimen. 

It seemed like the One Ummah players were inspired from listening to the Malcolm X talk by Dr Asim Saeed earlier in the evening as they dominated the game against 'Victorious Secret'. The opposition had the first shot on goal but it was well saved by Zeeshan. A neat exchanges of passes between Aimen and AK unlocked the defence and Aimen rifled the ball at the back of the net! Koosh and AK controlled the midfield. 

'Victorious Secret' made regular substitutions in the hope of getting back in the game. They thought they had got back in the game when they had the ball at the back of the net but the striket admitted he was in the box when he scored. Who needs a referee when you have honest players on...

Sports, Da'wah and Charity - What's not to like?

Saturday 28 January 2012

As-salam-alaikum

I am Zeeshan, the sports officer for the ISoc. Some of you may have not seen me much around campus. That is because I am a part-time student and have to manage this role along with my full time job! This position may not be as important as other roles but sports are a way to bring people together from various backgrounds and religions. We've had brothers from diverse countries such as Thailand, China and Indonesia coming to play football every Thursday. Even when it was freezing, we had more than 10 players come to play.

This semester will mark the first time the Islamic Society have entered a football team for the intramural league. In fact two football teams have been entered as I have recognised that there is a big passion for football amongst the brothers. I am not sure how the ‘One Ummah’ and ‘ISoc Legends’ will do in the league but I hope that we can give a good impression to the non-muslims by our good behaviour on the pitch be able to...