I was invited to a 10 Downing Street reception for charity workers a week after the 7/7 attacks, but as I got onto the Tube carrying my bag, people started trembling and breaking into sweat and some even physically moved away from me. I could see fear in their faces. I was dressed smartly in a blazer, collar shirt and trousers, yet they looked at me like I was a potential terrorist purely because I am Muslim. It made me feel horrible, but at the same time I understood their fear.

That’s when the idea for Salaam Peace was born. I thought the way to change perceptions was to take personal responsibility and do something about changing our community for the better. After hearing Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) speak about using his music to promote positive images of Islam I thought I would do the same through sport. For me, sport is a great way to bring people together, develop friendships and build respect.

 I have seen the positive impact of our work and seen others use our, so-called, philosophy or way of working, to then go on and work with other people. Seeing challenging individuals develop into fantastic young adults has been the biggest satisfaction. It’s not always easy, but I believe that instead of blaming others for how we are perceived, we have to take the bull by the horns. I tell our youngsters — we have to be the change in the community we want to see.