In an exciting initiative to promote inclusivity and physical activity, British Wrestling has joined forces with Active Lancashire and Together an Active Future’s Active Madrassah programme. Over the past few months, this collaboration has aimed to encourage mosques and madrassahs across Lancashire to consider integrating wrestling as a new activity within their centres.
A recent milestone in this endeavour was the visit to the Rawdhatul Ilm Wal Huda Center in Blackburn. Here, British Wrestling conducted both male and female taster sessions, engaging over 30 adult leaders representing various institutes from across Lancashire. For many, this experience marked their initial introduction to the sport, opening doors to a new form of physical engagement and communal interaction.
The sessions, delivered by Scottish Commonwealth wrestler Ross Connelly and Zee Jogi of Zs Defence Academy, weren’t just about introducing wrestling as an activity. They also encompassed a comprehensive presentation detailing the process of setting up as an Affiliated and Associate club within the British Wrestling framework. This guidance was crucial in providing a structured pathway for these institutes to establish themselves as credible wrestling hubs within their communities.
Looking ahead, British Wrestling remains committed to further empowering these leaders by providing opportunities for upskilling. The focus is on nurturing them into qualified sports coaches, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise needed to proficiently deliver wrestling programs within their respective institutes. This support doesn’t end with training but extends to ongoing guidance, ensuring a sustained and impactful journey as wrestling delivery providers.
The collaborative effort between British Wrestling, Active Lancashire, and Together an Future’s Active Active Madrassah programme stands as a testament to the power of sports in bridging communities. Beyond the physical aspects, wrestling serves as a catalyst for social cohesion, breaking barriers, and fostering unity among diverse groups.
As this partnership continues to evolve, the hope is to inspire more institutes in Lancashire to embrace wrestling, not just as a sport but as a vehicle for fostering community spirit and holistic well-being.
For updates and further developments on this initiative and more, stay tuned to www.britishwrestling.org.
This project encapsulates the recent strides made by British Wrestling in delivering on the participation aim of our strategy, specifically developing and delivering inclusive programmes that demonstrate the social impact of wrestling. It highlights the efforts to introduce wrestling as an activity within mosques and madrassahs, emphasizing inclusivity, community engagement, and the vision for a more active and connected society.
Below is British Wrestling’s guide to setting up a wrestling club in a Mosque. If you have any specific questions please contact us on clubdevelopment@britishwrestling.org
