The event, hosted by Abtisam Mohamed MP, on July 2nd, saw a room packed with FURD volunteers, cohesion experts, MPs and their assistants, come together to hear about FURD’s work in promoting social cohesion, particularly among young people.
FURD’s approach to cohesion has become a national example of how sport and youth work can heal divisions, foster lasting relationships across race and religion, support integration, challenges, and help build a shared sense of belonging.
Through football, mentoring, and community outreach, FURD has created safe and inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and common ground is found.
Speaking at the event were two sporting ambassadors who have lived the values of FURD. Former England footballer and coach Brian Deane, and Mukhtar Mohammed, a British
long-distance runner and former FURD coach.
“Cohesion isn’t just a policy objective,” said Brian Deane. “It’s something you build on the ground, in schools, youth clubs. That’s what FURD does.”
Mukthar Mohammed, a former middle-distance runner who represented Team GB in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, said: “FURD means cohesion, and my experience of being with people at FURD made me who I am today,”
The event created interest in how FURD’s model could be replicated in other towns and
cities. With trust in institutions declining and communities feeling increasingly isolated, the
work FURD is doing offers a blueprint for connection and belonging.
Abtisam Mohamed MP (Sheffield Central) noted, “What FURD shows us is that cohesion isn’t abstract—it’s practical, powerful, and urgent. We need more of such an approach to be modelled in communities.”
FURD's visit to Parliament was a celebration, but more importantly a call to action: invest in
community cohesion, and invest in the future of our country.