Oxford United’s newest signing Kash Siddiqi, who joined the U’s last month will proudly be representing the U’s in front of one of the biggest audiences possible next week.
He will travel out to New York this weekend to address the power of football on a panel at the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations. He will be joined by a number of delegates who will be present at the General Assembly from the footballing and diplomatic world. Other players include womens world cup winner and, two-time Olympic gold medallist and two time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd, USA National team snd former AC Milam Defender Oguchi Onyewu and Bradley Wright-Phillips who now plays as a striker for Major League Soccer New York Red Bulls.
Kash is the Co-Founder of Football For Peace, which was established in 2006 by FIFA and Chilean legend Elias Figueroa at the United Nations New York Office under the directorship of Dr Djibril Diallo and former secretary general the late Kofi Annan.
The aim is that every country in the world uses football in building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and the planet. Whilst aiming to get fit on the pitch, off the pitch Kash is building a youth sports movement to use the influence of football to facilitate global integration through building sustainable practices which create dialogue and build resilient individuals, families and communities.
Kash told us
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity and I am so proud to be invited to talk to the United Nations and build on the constructive dialogue that we have had with so many organisations and so many brilliant people all around the world. This is something I believe so passionately in and an important step for Football For Peace.
“At the same time I have been training hard at Oxford and have been made to feel part of an amazing football club. I can’t thank them enough and I feel fit and ready to go with the next exciting part of this project which is to go out on loan to Real Kashmir, which will happen soon after I get back from America.
“People know the challenges facing the Kashmir region and I want to get out there, start playing competitive football again and spread the word that Football For Peace is not all about talking at the United Nations: the game itself can play such a massive part in bringing peace and opening dialogue, all around the world.”
Director Zaki Nuseibeh said:
“We’re delighted that Kash is going to Real Kashmir. As club owners we have a responsibility to continuously work on initiatives through which we can use football for the wider good. I am confident that Kash will be a great asset to the Real Kashmir FC squad as a loanee from Oxford United FC. He will also undoubtedly be passionately carrying a message of peace to a region so desperate for it.”
Look out for in depth interviews with Kash in the national newspapers this weekend or log on to iFollow where we caught up with him earlier today to talk about his trip to the United Nations.