FURD's Project Director Howard Holmes takes semi-retirement this month after 15 years at the helm.
One of FURD's founders, he has steered the project from its beginnings as a local initiative tackling problems of racism in the Bramall Lane area of Sheffield, to its current position as a multi-faceted organisation with a local, national and international profile working in the areas of youth inclusion and community cohesion.
Howard will continue to work part-time on specific aspects of FURD's work, specifically the 'Football: A Shared Sense of Belonging?' research project, the new Arthur Wharton Heritage Project, preparations for FURD's move to the U-Mix centre next year and fund-raising.
After a re-structure, from October, FURD will be led by two joint co-ordinators, Mehrun Ahmed and Simon Hyacinth. Mehrun will lead on FURD's community cohesion, youth work and education work, while Simon will manage the project's football development work. Both are long standing members of the FURD team and will continue with their current project work alongside their management roles.
Follow the link below for the Sheffield Star's story about Howard.