How this Preston student is one of the most influential Muslim sports people in the world

A Fulwood student has made this year’s Muslim Women in Sport power list.

Zuleikha is one of 30 professional athletes, journalistsand coaches to be included.

The former Our Lady’s Catholic High School student founded the University of Central Lancashire Futsal Club.

21-year-old Zuleikha said: “It’s truly overwhelming to be listed among the top 30 most visionary and influential Muslim women who are positively impacting the sports industry at various levels from world-renowned Olympians to local heroes.

“I am honoured to have been recognised for my efforts and be a part of a growing movement of women leading the way in sport.

“It just proves the increasing quality of influence from the female Muslim sports community and the role we play in sport.”

As well as studying sports business management at UCLan the student also is a coach at Sir Tom Finney Soccer Centre, a Youth Sport Trust team leader, is on the youth panel for the Chartered Institute for the management of sport and physical activity, a Lancashire FA inclusion group member, volunteers with the British Red Cross and is an ethnic ambassador with UCLan’s Students’ Union.

Zuleikha is preparing to head to Morocco at the end of this month where she will run sporting activities and develop information and communications technology with boys and girls at an orphanage and with adults at an addiction rehabilitation centre.

She said: “This is an amazing opportunity to be able to engage people in sport on an international level, share ideas and help them maximise their potential and employability skills.”

Chair of the Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre Peter Mason said: “I am very pleased for Zuleikha, it is a well deserved award and recognition for somebody who works very hard and with great enthusiasm for the furtherance and provision of sport to under-represented groups, especially football and FUTSAL.

“The Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre and Sir Tom Finney FC benefit greatly from our partnership with UCLAN, Zuleikha and 54 other students give up their time voluntarily to assist us in providing a wide range of football related opportunities to the community of Preston, a commitment that Zuleikha and her fellow students should be proud off. Well done Zuleikha.”