The official Army/ Glasgow Ansar Football Sponsorship was recently launched at the Hampden Park. It is the Army‚s aim to raise its profile among black andminority ethnic communities at a grass roots level, and where better to start thanthe popular well known multicultural football club -Glasgow Ansar Football Club.

 

The Army who have had a foothold in the minority ethnic communitie in Glasgowthrough the Uniformed Services Committee for nearly a decade hope that this newventure will further widen their objectives for an open dialogue of mutual respect andunderstanding within the diverse communities. Sport has always been an ideal mode of communication and cultural bridge building between communities as proven by Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in England when he helped form football matches between various religious and cultural communities to great success and appraisal.

 

There is still a lack of minority ethnic communities taking up posts in the Army and it is hoped that this situation could be addressed by this pioneering event being led by the public relations company- Oceanic Consulting. Scottish actor and respected community campaigner- Atta Yacoub led the young team members of Glasgow Ansar, while the Army was represented by Major Andrew McLuckie and of course the highly renowned and well known articulate personality -Lieutenant Colonel David Steel.

 

David is a familiar personality to our readers -who have endeared to this exceptionally jovial soldier and warrior whose humbleness in listening to others has brought him many friends and admirers excluding his talents as a mesmerizing musician. Likewise -Atta needs no introduction as an established actor and role model of the Arts, he has his admirers as well-who observe him as an artiste and a convergent advocate.

 

The Oracle has always insisted -that we should all be proud of our Army- wehave the best trained and disciplined soldiers in the World- and we still insist that it is a great career opportunity for the many 2nd and 3 rd generations of Scottish Asian communities who are proud of their hybrid heritage. Lt Colonel Steele who boasts a twin brother also in the military based at the Erskine Hospital (another great cause to support) has always felt that the minority and ethnic communities were under- represented in the Army and that had to be addressed. He has been a dedicated activist -an immense sponsor in equality -and has always been practical in his approach to communities. With this endeavour, he reiterates his commitment to a channel of communication and perceptiveness between the diverse communities and the Army. You will be hearing a lot more of David and his commitment for all.