Meet the L&Q-supported team empowering Muslim girls

Women wearing hijabs aren’t often seen on a football pitch, but a team in Walthamstow is helping to change that – with support from our community grant-funding programme.

With the excitement around Euro 2025, women’s football is thriving at the grassroots level too, thanks to community-led groups making the game more accessible.

One example is a female team from Walthamstow, run by community organisation Salaam Peace and supported by the foundation.

Among the players is 15-year-old Mumtaz, whose journey with the sport began at a young age:

“I started playing football at Edinburgh Primary school. As well as PE and lunchtime training, I would attend Salaam Peace’s weekend and holiday programmes. In the early days, I was often the only girl and went along with my brothers.

I wasn’t into sports much before – I was more of a creative, artsy type – but the staff made me feel welcome, and the positive environment meant I was never uncomfortable.”

In 2020, Salaam Peace launched a dedicated girls’ football programme, which now includes regular sessions, volunteering pathways and even paid roles.

A centre-midfielder, Mumtaz, 15, recalls one match that stands out:

“It was our first game back after the summer holidays and we hadn’t trained much. I remember we won by three goals.”

By stepping into a space where few have gone before, Mumtaz and her teammates are opening doors for the next generation of young players.

“I love mentoring,” she says.

“I like to think I’m someone younger children can talk to. An approachable role model they can look up to.”

Mumtaz’ story speaks not only to her personal growth, but also to the skyrocketing profile of women’s football in the UK.

“Five years ago, people wouldn’t have been excited about women’s football. Now, even for a friendly, loads of people are watching and cheering the lionesses on.

There’s a sense of national pride that wasn’t there before”, said Mumtaz.

When the Salaam Peace team set foot on the football pitch, so too does the weight of their representation.

Despite the sport’s growing popularity since the Lionesses’ 2022 Euro win - with 68,000 more girls now playing in England - participation among Muslim women and girls remains low.

Systemic barriers, from the lack of inclusive spaces to limited cultural sensitivity around faith, continue to block equal access to the game.

“My parents wanted me to get into sports, but my grandma was strict about it,” says Mumtaz.

“She didn’t get that chance, and neither did my aunties. My mum used to be there cheering me on. When you play well, it’s amazing to have your family watching.”

As well as playing and coaching, Mumtaz has taken on more responsibility behind the scenes.

Her tasks at Salaam Peace’s HQ include responding to emails, planning events and processing staff payroll.

“Giving up weekends and evenings isn’t really a sacrifice”, she says. “I’m learning something new and connecting with my community.”

In December, Mumtaz’ hard work was recognised with a Jack Petchey Achievement Award, which celebrates young people across London and Essex for their dedication and impact.

“Winning the award made me feel proud of myself. I thought, ‘You did this, and you deserve this award.’ My mum came to the ceremony and was really happy for me,” said Mumtaz.

Last spring, she faced some personal challenges that led her to drift from the sport. But thanks to her support network at Salaam Peace, she was able to bounce back and reconnect with her love for the game.

“Challenges don’t set you apart. Everyone goes through them - it’s about how you overcome them”, said Mumtaz.

Away from the pitch, Mumtaz enjoys baking and her favourite school subject is Spanish. Like many in Walthamstow, she’s supported Arsenal – both the men’s and women’s teams - from a young age.

With the Lionesses winning the Euro final, for many Muslim girls, stepping onto a pitch remains a distant dream.

Looking ahead, Mumtaz hopes to see more grassroots opportunities and career paths created for women.

“Whether they want to play or coach, work behind the scenes or support from the sidelines, I want every girl and woman to know there’s a place for them in this game, whatever role they want to play.”

Her advice to younger girls?

“Even if you think you’re bad at it, you’re not. There’s always a chance to get better if you work at it. The best footballers are always improving.”

Mumtaz’s journey is a powerful reminder of what it means to show up, push forward and break down barriers.

Our partnership with Salaam Peace helps make stories like Mumtaz’s possible.

As part of our long-term social mission, we are taking a  place-based approach to community investment - focusing on areas where we can make the greatest impact, including Waltham Forest.

So far, we’ve contributed more than £9,000 in funding to support Salaam Peace’s local programmes, including £3,000 towards female football and fitness classes at Edinburgh Primary School, and £6,070 for women’s sessions at Lloyd Park and the Seddon Centre.

These free activities support local women by encouraging fitness, confidence, and social connection.

Azi Mohammed, CEO of Salaam Peace said:

“Mumtaz is a role model for girls in the community and across the country.

We are excited to see what the future holds for her, both within football and in other areas of her life.

We’re really grateful to L&Q for all the support we’ve received, and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.”