SALMA SPEAKS TO THE ASIAN TODAY

 

 

HERE is The Asian Today two-page Lifestyle interview with Salma published this week.

 

Every month we will be bringing you an exclusive insight of a day in the life of an influential personality. Looking at what inspires them, defining the passion they have for what they do and exploring a day of their life.

 

Meet Salma Bi.

 

Nurse. Cricketer. Wife. A woman who has achieved more than an average woman may achieve in her entire life combined. The Asian Today sat down with the athlete to talk about her recent nuptials, coaching and her long list of accomplishments.

• Tell me about yourself.

 

I'm a very calm person, I make time for others and I love my Philosophy. I have witnessed a lot in my life and with close ones taken away from me at such an early age, I've learned time waits for no-one. My job reminds me about life and death each day, I appreciate everything done for me and around me. I know everything you want only you can achieve it by working for it, it won't come to you. I'm open to criticism and once I've committed to doing something I will go on to completing it no matter what the obstacles were.

• What made you pick cricket over other sport?

 

I began playing cricket aged 10 alongside my brothers and father.

The sport has influenced many Asian families and at the time of the World Cup being showcased I was only ever going to pick it up and implement the art. Watching one of my role-models Shane Warne, I, over time mastered the off-spin using her unique unorthodox spin. At secondary school I was captain of my team which got me recognised for county trials. Because I was not playing for a club, Warwickshire did not select me, even after many years of trials.

• How was it explaining the news, about cricket, to your parents?

 

We played a lot of cricket in the back garden, which was especially designed to play such a sport. My family knew I was captain at school and was put forward for talented players and County but it only hit them when I was committing myself outside school hours and travelling to different grounds each week. At first it was difficult but my elder siblings did support it. My Dad coming from a sporting background encouraged it a lot more when I was bringing home medals and trophies.

 

I have been described as “a young, talented and creative” and have said to have caused a quite a stir. I have been up against many barriers being Muslim – fitting in, not having the facility to practise and starting at a older age, but I has no regrets. Everything happens when you’re ready at the right time.

 

• You play cricket for Worcestershire County; how did that feel like?

 

This was a life changing moment for me, Something that has not yet been achieved and here I am who has done the unheard of, I've not looked back since I'm so proud about how I've come and yet I feel there is still more to reach!

 

At the aged 22, I made history by trialing for Worcestershire County Cricket Club and went on to become the first, and to date only, Asian Muslim female to represent the county in their long history. Now a regular, I have become a key player in a team full of talent and have helped push Worcestershire towards the Division Two County Championship. Last season I was third highest wicket-taker in the club – the top two were men because they played a few extra games. I have taken over 170 wickets in the last five years of playing cricket and have no intention of stopping yet. My bowling is watched by many and I don’t think I have witnessed anyone who can bowl just like me!

 

• Professionally, you are a nurse, how do you divide your time?

 

I'm a Qualified Renal Adult Nurse working full-time which requires me to work long 12 hour shifts and 38 hours per week. I use my time wisely; I work throughout Sept to April involving indoor cricket games and County training and then take more time out using annual leave to save for my Eventful cricket season from April to August.

 

• Why did you choose nursing?

 

At college I studied Law a Legal Executive Diploma but I always had the passion for caring and being challenged. My dream was to work in a Hospital, losing my mother aged 9 I felt this urge to make myself something valuable to the society. I felt she would be proud if I came back to the community and progressed in life. I love my job it gives me a lot of respect, I can gain that trust with my patients but most importantly it’s the reality of life and reminds me that I should quit complaining and that I am so much fortunate then some of these patients here. Nursing requires a lot of patience which I have and along with the desire to do more in life by taking my skills further and to work abroad. 

• You have won countless awards for your community programmes; what type of projects have you been involved in?

 

Roles and Achievements of Salma Bi
· Warwickshire Level 1 Umpire
· Warwickshire Level 2+ Coach
· Worcestershire County Cricket Club Senior Women’s Squad Player
· Marylebone Cricket Club Representative Player
· Five Ways Old Edwardians Cricket Club Women’s & Men’s 3rds Player
· Wall Cricket Club Men’s Squad Player
· Tamworth Ladies Cricket Squad Player
· Hawarden Park Cricket Club Squad Player
· Great White Sharks Futsal Team Captain & Goalkeeper
· Fiveways Zombies Indoor Cricket Captain
· Birch Coppice Football Club player
:Football Futures Goal Keeper
:Sutton Coldfield Reserves Football Club Player
· British-Asian Sports Awards 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award Winner
· Asian Women of Achievement inaugural Sports Award Winner 2012
· British-Asian Sports Award 2010 Coach of the Year Runner-up
· Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation Ambassador Awards Runner-up 2012
· OSCA’s Nat west Volunteer of the Year Award 2012 Building Partnerships Winner
 :Bradford's Inspirational Women’s Awards 2013 Nominee
· Heamodialysis Renal Adult Nursing
· Believe In MAD |Making A Difference| Founder
· Sporting Pathways Co-Founder (Community Interest Company)
:Muslim Sports Association ambassador
· Hosted First Ever Women Futsal Marathon 10-Hour Record 2012
· Hosted Women’s Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup 2012
· Hosted Women’s Futsal Marathon 20-Hour Record 2012
 :Hosted World Dodge Ball 2013
 : Hosted Women’s Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup 2013
 

 

• You have also been involved in cricket coaching and futsal; how successful have these sessions been?

 

Cricket Coaching is important to me, when I first began playing cricket I was given no coaching all learned by observation and constant practice. During County Season I utilised all coaches whether there was club, Australian/South African/Pakistani, male or female I took something from each session and improved on my ability and technique.

 

I myself am now a Club Coach Level 2+ encouraging and nurturing the younger generation to begin cricket, assisting with district and county girls I run sessions at a state of the art Indoor Cricket Centre in Birmingham providing them one-to-one sessions or fitness regimes. With futsal the girls have come a long way, improving each season as a team and taking on bigger and better challenges. Each game is played with so much intensity; the girls can look back on each game report which is played every Wednesday Night. All blogs are updated on http://great-white-sharks.blogspot.com/

 

Out of everything that you achieved, what was the most memorable?

I've made many memories over time; I prefer playing the cricket performing then observing or attending Award Functions. Season 2013 was my best season so far beating my record of taking career best wickets, playing at Lords vs. Japan women and hitting a 6 in a men's match. http://mad-cricket.blogspot.com/

 

In 2012, I made an appearance for a T20 side and hit a best 34 not out in five overs with non-stop fours and sixes. I finished with a career best figure of 5-13 off four overs for North Wales club Hawarden Park’s T20 team. Also in 2012, I took four wickets for Worcestershire for the first time. Sometimes all it takes is to get a little boost and the whole team will gain confidence.

 

• What is an average day in your life like?

I live a very busy life but I don't know any better! I have a high adrenaline consumption which requires me to stay on the move to use up all the restored energy. I wake up by 6am to get to my daily job for 7am which won't finish until 7.30pm just after around 8pm I either have a Futsal Match, Football/Cricket Training to go to which means I finish my day by 10pm and it could start all over again. On a day off it could be cricket season arriving at a ground for 12pm for warm-up game of 50overs match which may not finish until 7pm. Everyday in my life is different and I love that, I learn something new everyday. I try to work that harder the next day to come.

 

•  Aside from cricket; what hobbies do you have?

When given the time I enjoy my own time so I'll hit the gym, a bit of basketball or squash, see what's on at the local sports centre on the day or take it easy cook something up spend quality time with family and watch movies.

 

• Who is your sporting hero?

I grew up watching Shane Warne play on TV representing Australia at the World Cup, He for me turn heads and brought something so unique to cricket it inspired me to mirror the same unorthodox off-spin technique. As for the recent years following women's cricket captain and fellow friend Charlotte Edwards is a role model to me, a player who bats exceptionally well and who has brought England Women to new Light.

 

• You recently got married; do you intend to keep playing and coaching?

I grew up being asked “Are your parents okay with you playing cricket?” and it was fine especially when my Dad proudly told family and friends what I do. It's a common question I keep being asked, I have so much respect for Sohail Mughal, my husband. We've married each other by accepting each other and that's the most important part about love, you love someone for who they are. I have a lot of respect for my husband, we share such great understanding, he amazes me sometimes with his way of thinking, as we are so alike and strive to reach the same goals in life.

We intend to be a couple who will go on to inspire more and more youngsters to get into sports and take up a good career. Sohail is not only a Fitness Instructor but a model, teacher and completing his Masters. My wedding gift was a Custom designed BOOMBOOM Cricket Bat; it only now motivates me to play even more and make him proud and hopefully one day InshAllah our children will need to know what their parents did in their time. You might witness both Mr and Mrs playing in the same match, which sure will be one top competition. We will go on to encourage each other to do more rather than feel it should stop. Sports is not forbidden its just not promoted enough when women play but we are changing this everyday and what better soul mate to have who wants the same for himself and you.

 

Pick One

 

Pakistan Cricket or England Cricket Team:

 

Pakistan men's Team

England Women's Team

 

 

Birmingham City or Aston Villa

Aston Villa Football Club but I support Real Madrid

 

English Food or Asian Food

Either I love food!

 

Futsal or Original Football

Futsal-Pace and more Technique Involved 

 

Morning or Night

I wake up 6am everyday no matter what

 

Ferrari or Lamborghini

Love My Cars!! Lamborghini

 

PC or Mac

PC? Use my Laptop a lot

SALMA IN PROFILE

http://www.theasiantoday.com/online-edition/issue-183/the-asian-today.html

SALMA BI features in a two-page Lifestyle feature in the latest edition of The Asian Today.
Click on the link above and using the arrows read Pages 48 and 49.

WORLD DODGEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 - ARCTIC WHALES TRIUMPH!

ARCTIC WHALES were crowned champions of the second annual Women's World Dodge Ball event in Birmingham on January 25.
Hosted by Sporting Pathways, last year's winners European Mammoths were back to defend their title, but on this occasion the trophy changed hands.
With five fund-raising events already hosted by Sporting Pathways, it was back to business again with Dodgeball, a sport particularly big in the United States which involves players on two teams trying to throw large balls at each other while avoiding being hit themselves.
Main organiser, award-winning sportswoman Salma Bi, said: "We were delighted to greet teams from Manchester, London, Wales and Yorkshire, as well as the European Mammoths all the way from Brighton.

"Natasha Perry led the team to victory and deserved the title for all day they showed charisma and team work.

Five teams made their way to the Futsal Arena in Birmingham.
Last year's players and new faces alike were welcomed to join in a wonderful sporting experience. 
TEAMS ENTERED:
AMERICAN CAYOTES: Tina Lakeru, Meherun Begum, Chantel Hunter, Shareen Rahim, Sara Kazi and Tehzeen Sadiq.
ASIAN COBRAS: Dilara Begum, Saddiqa Shan, Aisha Bi, Jade Lapthorne, Berni Mulcahy and Salma Bi.
ARCTIC WHALES: Bethany Poppleton, Nicky Preston, Raniesha Ambersely, Mina Zahoor, Simran Panesar and Illy Oulkadi.
EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS: Lucy Harper, Anna Burgoyne, Becky Scott, Jo Rawlinson, Kirsty Lawie and Eva Ramsay.
AFRICAN MEERKATS: Hayley Shaddick, Tasha Beck, Rachel Bird, Shirley Finucane, Sue Benson and Nicola Campbell.

The atmosphere was alive and kicking, with referees aware of all rules, admin desk in preparation and teams raring to go to claim the title!
A short presentation started with Salma highlighting the rules and cause benefiting from the day, which was support for victims of Acid Attacks.
Food and supplements  wereavailable throughout the day and a bouncy castle for the ones to ease the adrenaline.
Islam Channel and DigiCreations were on site filming and taking all action shots,
Captains took their places in the presentation for photographs and then each with own teams. All games were played with high intensity per 10 minutes each. The final play offs and semis were based on 'Sudden Death' matches which was newly introduced this year.
The tournament begun involving 30 players, 25 games, 4 Sudden Deaths, 2 semi-finals, 1 final and the eventual new #WORLDDODGEBALL2014 Winners #ARCTICWHALES 
RESULTS
Round 1 ARCTIC WHALES 3 AMERICAN CAYOTES 0; AFRICAN MEERKATS 0 ASIAN COBRAS 2
Round 2 EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 1 AFRICAN MEERKATS 1 (EU WON ON STRIKES); ASIAN COBRAS 0 ARCTIC WHALES 3
Round 3 AMERICAN CAYOTES 0 ASIAN COBRAS 3 ; ARCTIC WHALES 2 EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 1
Round 4 AFRICAN MEERKATS 0 ARCTIC WHALES 3; EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 3 AMERICAN CAYOTES 0
Round 5 ASIAN COBRAS 0 EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 3; AMERICAN CAYOTES 0 AFRICAN MEERKATS 4
Round 6 AMERICAN CAYOTES 1 ARCTIC WHALES 2; ASIAN COBRAS 2 AFRICAN MEERKATS 1
Round 7 AFRICAN MEERKATS 0 EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 3; ARCTIC WHALES 3 ASIAN COBRAS 0
Round 8 ASIAN COBRAS 3 AMERICAN CAYOTES 1; EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 0 ARCTIC WHALES 3
Round 9 ARCTIC WHALES 1 AFRICAN MEERKATS 1 (AW WON ON STRIKES); AMERICAN CAYOTES 1 EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 3
Round 10 EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 3 ASIAN COBRAS 0; AFRICAN MEERKATS 1 AMERICAN CAYOTES 2

Points for Play-Offs
1st ARCTIC WHALES 8 POINTS
2nd EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 6 POINTS
3rd ASIAN COBRAS 4 POINTS
4th and 5th AFRICAN MEERKATS AND AMERICAN CAYOTES 1 POINT EACH

Play off 4th Place
Sudden Death: AMERICAN CAYOTES BEAT AFRICAN MEERKATS to secure there place in the Semi-Finals
 
Semi-Finals
Sudden Death EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS VS ASIAN COBRAS
Asian Cobras looked immense playing in the semis making a dream start eliminating 3 opponents in no time, The Cobras lost only player whilst the Mammoths were five down!! Only one more step away from the final but heroic efforts by Mammoths player KIRSTY LAWIE caused the Cobras trouble.
She not only managed to eliminate two more Cobras but also take a catch achieving a team-mate back into play. Before anything else was possible the Mammoths demolished the Cobras making an amazing comeback, spectators were in shock!

Sudden Death ARCTIC WHALES VS AMERICAN CAYOTES
The Coyotes spend most of match time far away from the centre line, teasing opponents to edge forward and risk it all. However, their luck soon ran out against the Whales who made it easy work of winning the sudden death match.  Hats off to the Coyotes who made progress from last year's stats. The American Coyotes not only got into semis but also bagged another match this time up against Asian Cobras for the 3rd Place Play off. Asian Cobras won and took third place.

FINAL
ARCTIC WHALES 1 EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 0
A 10-minute thriller, two deserving teams made it into the final.
From playing each team twice, to sudden deaths and semis it come down to another gruelling 1- minute match.
Spectators and other teams looked on as both sides took their laces for the opening rush only awaiting on the referee's whistle to blow.
Arctic Whales lost two players very early on, with former champions Mammoths taking no victims looking lethal.
However, the game wasn't as predictable as we thought. As each team mate was out and eliminated only two captains remained Bethany Poppleton vs. Lucy Harper.
This was a good contest asonly they knew what it is like taking leadership and carrying the team to victory.
With two minutes still remaining Lucy was eliminated, The Whales got themselves a point. Restarting once again the Mammoths battled hard to win back a point, whilst the Whales kept calm not taking any risks crowned themselves the New Title Winners!!

Presentation
What a Day! What a Final ! Perfect play and some superb results, many not as expected,
Teams were more competitive this year which made it even more worthwhile playing.
Some highlights throughout the day.....
NICOLA BROWN - African Meerkats player too cool for school. On attempt of running backwards fell over and was then attacked and of course eliminated.
SUE BENSON - Took on the Arctic Whales on a one-man mission and eliminated the opponents, however on the second set of play the Arctic Whales wasted no time and eliminated her within seconds!
SADDIQA SHAN - A double team throttle as Salma tossed the ball up to find Saddiqa catch the ball and eliminate remaining player SARA KAZI in the American Coyotes team.
HAYLEY SHADDICK - Only captain to gain four sets in a game against American Coyotes but they still finished fofth!
KIRSTY LAWIE Player of the Event - For not only being the last man standing but to eliminate at least four Cobras at the semi-finals, regaining a place in the final and finishing second overall.
Medals, Certificates and Trophies were presented to each team with captains leading.
5th Place AFRICAN MEERKATS A brave team which took the most risks and weren't afraid of a Live Brawl on the pitch. PRIZE WINNER: SHIRLEY FINUCANE
4th Place AMERICAN COYOTES The night watchmen who seemed less agile but enjoyed making into the semis
PRIZE WINNER: SARA KAZI
3rd Place ASIAN COBRAS Pure entertainment with trick shots and slides they celebrated each elimination as if they already won?!
PRIZE WINNER: SADDIQA SHAN
2nd Place EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS Ruthless and tactical. Reigning champions were hungry for the title which slowly slipped away
PRIZE WINNER: KIRSTY LAWIE
1st Place ARCTIC WHALES A composed and athletic team look well equipped to battle hard for the Championship.
PRIZE WINNER: NICKY PRESTON

Special thanks to Farzana Hussain, Sajid Mahmood, Naem, Reuben and media partners for supporting Sporting Pathways on the day and special thanks to each individual who not only participated, volunteered, supported but help raised funds for a good cause.


A final speech by ARCTIC WHALES winning captain Bethany Poppleton  
"I had high expectations of the day, not only the great competition but the atmosphere and great cause it was supporting. However, I had no doubt that due to us losing out in the finals last year, we were not only going to make the same mistake twice but this time claim the Trophy.
"The event for us started the same way as it ended, we won every match and only dropped two points throughout the whole day.
"The consistency of Nicky Preston's catching and the accuracy of Simran Panesar's aim were great assets to our team's performance. The day did what was expected and that was to strive and victory came to us, I was very happy that I was able to captain the side to a great victory and we look forward to defending the title next year!"

#YouStillGotGame

Tribute video to follow and the Sporting Pathways team look forward to bringing you even bigger and better events in the future!
We've loved all the feedback received and we can't wait to create more opportunities for Women in Sport and set new and bigger records!

2013 - QUITE A YEAR!

SOME people don't look back because they look forward.
However our very own Multi-National Award Winning athlete yet again celebrates her success that year 2013 brought her.
Hard working cricketer, nurse and coach Salma Bi cherished each and every moment in 2013.
Earlier in the year Salma attended the Bradford Inspirational Women's Awards after being shortlisted at such a presitigious event.
As a Sporting Pathways director Salma successfully enjoyed hosting the first of its kind World Dodge Ball 2013 and the annual Women's Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup 2013 raising money for Cerebal Palsy and Hope House.
Salma introduced a project called Get Her in The Game identifying young female talent across the UK by raising their profiles.
Salma introduced Saddiqa Shan, a young footballer who was shortlisted not only for the Asian Achievers Awards but also the Asian Football Awards.
This season saw Salma achieve new heights in her professional cricket season.
Taking most career wickets and finishing leading wicket taker in the country proved her to be a valuable all-rounder.
With such impressive statistics there was no doubts on MCC selection for the game at Lords MCC vs Japan, it's always special for Salma to play here.
The biggest highlight came when Salma was approached to bowl alongside the England women's team at a net session in preparation for the Women's Ashes.
Whilst cricket was still in progress Salma's younger sister Aisha Bi brought home news on passing her Police Specials interview and fitness phase.
The young active footballer enjoyed her time also representing The Great White Sharks Futsal team.
Both sisters celebrated 100 games and applauded 100th goal scorer and fellow team mate Vicky Roe. The team battling well regained 4th place this season.
Finishing both seasons on a high Salma took a short break away to Egypt Sharm El-shiekh with close friends to return to even more good news on being shortlisted as a finalist at the Birmingham Sports Awards 2013.
Enjoying each and every moment Salma has become more familar with the limelight featuring in a Red Magazine Photo shoot, BBC Expert Women and SkySports.
Muslim Sports Council Ambassador Salma surprised her friends and followers after announcing her wedding wews on Twitter and Facebook.
The Birmingham sensation was overwhelmed with the response she recieved.
Sohail Ali a worthy noble man who is not only a teacher studying his Masters, he is also an amateur boxer, body builder and a model who was very passionate about Salma's interests in sports.
Building the Mughal Empire, Sohail propsed to Salma and gifted her a cricket bat.
A 6'1 tall, handsome man who is prepared to achieve new heights with Salma, The Muslim couple  look forward to setting a trend by Building A Legacy by continuing their sports and encouraging others to do so as role models themeselves.
Reminding the world marriage isn't a barrier to partcipating in sports or having a professional career as you desire, its about working together, compromise and respect.
2014 has started just as expected with the delightful news of Salma shortlisted as a finalist for the British Muslim Awards 2014 which are to be held in Manchester on January 30.
We can only wish the Newlyweds goodluck!
They can't wait to work even harder for the people around them, they promise to set even bigger records and create more opportunities for the communities around them.

Sporting Pathways founders look welcome to their next annual event World Dodge Ball 2014 on Saturday, January 25, raising money for Acid Survivors association.

WORLD DODGEBALL 2014 TEAMS ANNOUNCED!

WORLD DODGEBALL 2014 TEAM LIST

ARCTIC WHALES - CAPTAIN BETH POPPLETON
1 NICKY PRESTON
2 CHARLIE CHARMER
3 MINA ZAHOOR
4 SIMI PANESAR
5 LAURA DEACON

AMERICAN COYOTES - CAPTAIN DARCIE SANDERS
1 PAIGE REENAN
2 TINA LAKERU
3 CHANTEL HUNTER
4 BETHANY LANE
5 LAURIE MORTON

EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS - CAPTAIN LUCY HARPER
1 SAPHRI LINES
2 SARAH HOWELL
3 JO RAWLINSON
4 KIRSTY LAWIE
5 LESLIE RITCHIE

AFRICAN MEERKATS - CAPTAIN HAYLEY SHADDICK
1 TASHA BECK
2 KIRSTEN FITCHETT
3 SHIRLEY FINULENE
4 SARAH GARDNER
5 NICOLA BROWN

ASIAN COBRAS - CAPTAIN  DILARA BEGUM
1 SADDIQA SHAN
2 AISHA BI
3 JADE SAVO LAPTHORNE
4 SALMA BI
5 ILLY OULKADI

AUSTRALIAN KANGAROOS - CAPTAIN AMBER SANDHU
1 ALEX HALE
2 SERENA GANGAR
3 FIONA MACINTOSH
4 PRIYA RANDHAWA
5 PRIYA PUNDAL

P.S Get your payments in ASAP Thank You!!

SUPPORT SALMA IN HER FANTASTIC CAUSE

 

 

RAISING money in a fun way but for a serious cause is the next project on the agenda for award-winning sportswoman Salma Bi.
The Birmingham-based cricketer will stage her second annual World Dodgeball event in January next year.
All funds raised will go to Acid Survivors Trust International, a global organisation which provides crucial support to victims of acid attacks all over the world.
Over the past two years Salma has helped raised thousands of pounds for numerous charities through women-led sporting events.
These have included 10-hour and 20-hour futsal marathons, two T10 indoor World Cup Cricket tournaments and last year's World Dodgeball showpiece.
Salma's events not only collect much-needed funds for deserving causes, they also promote the importance of more female participation in sports.
The 27-year-old haemodialysis nurse, who was the first Asian woman cricketer to play for Worcestershire CC, stages her fund-raisers under two sporting organisations she runs - MAD (Making a Difference) Productions and Sporting Pathways.
Co-founder Salma had a fantastic 2013 cricket season for Worcester and her clubs Five Ways, Wall and Hawarden Park.

Her off-spinners made her leading wicket taker across the board which earned her the honour of training with the England women's squad pre their Ashes series.
Salma is very passionate about getting others involved in sport, and her hard work was recognised when she was recently a finalist in the Birmingham Sportswoman of The Year awards.
She is a past winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Sports award and the British-Asian Services to Sport accolade.
Sporting Pathways has also introduced a project called 'Get Her in The Game' which highlighted the development of Solihull Ladies footballer Saddiqa Shan, who was subsequently shortlisted for not only this year's Asian Achievers Awards but also the Asian Football Awards at Wembley.
Sporting Pathways also has its very own Futsal team the Great White Sharks which competes in the Birmingham Women's Wednesday League and recently played their 100th match.

Striker Vicky Roe, also a Solihill player, has netted over 100 goals for the team.
With five events already hosted by Sporting Pathways it's now back to business again with Dodgeball, a sport particularly big in the United States which involves players on two teams trying to throw large balls at each other while avoiding being hit themselves.
Last year saw the European Mammoths crowned 2013 champions at the inaugural Birmingham event.

Salma said: "We were delighted to greet teams from Manchester, London, Wales and Yorkshire, as well as the European Mammoths all the way from Brighton.

"Natasha Perry led the team to victory and deserved the title for all day they showed charisma and team work.

"Now we look for the next sign-ups for 2014. It is only £10 to register, all for a good cause.
"Sporting Pathways are putting across a special message - a rule in Dodgeball is NO headshots, they count as elimination.
"It will also remind us of acid attack survivors, who experience such trauma they become nothing but suicidal.

"We want to raise the awareness of providing treatment for these people.
"There are more and more victims suffering, but before they take their lives we can give them a new life. A small donation which will contribute to a surgical procedure.
"Let's raise money to make a difference and get more women involved in sports at the same time."
WORLD DODGEBALL 2014
The event will involve six teams comprising six players each.
Each team plays each other twice (total 10 games)
There will then be semi-finals and a final.
Planned teams: Arctic Whales, American Coyotes, European Mammoths, African Meerkats, Asian Cobras, Australian Kangaroos.
For your entry fee you get: food, drinks, T-shirts, medals, trophies, certificates and prizes.
Contact Salma Bi for more information via: salma.biz@hotmail.co.uk; call 0121 554 3296 or log on to www.sportingpathways.org
Get in touch to register now and receive your players' pack to begin fundraising.
www.acidviolence.org

IN FOCUS: AISHA BI

SPORTING TEAMS:
The Great White Sharks Futsal Team
Birch Coppice Football Team
Football Futures Football Team
Solihull Rangers Football Team
West Bromwich Albion Football Team
Hawarden Park Cricket Club

EDUCATION:
4 A's 3 B's and 2 C's GCSE Level
A/S Level Law Psychology and English Literature
Level 2 Sports Leadership Award
Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze & Silver Award
Junior Football Organisers

WHO IS SHE?
Aisha Bi is younger sister to Salma Bi - they inspire one another.
The force behind all the work that is presented by The Company, Aisha is a crucial part to the team. She is also known as the adrenaline junkie, never afraid to try new things and loves theme parks.
She brings the ideas forward and criticises the work before its announced. Aisha has such a wild interest in animals she named the Futsal Team The Great White Sharks.
Aisha loves reading and learning about what's going on in the sporting world and heard about the Futsal World Record which Inspired Salma to host the next five events all hosted alongside Aisha!

AISHA'S TEAM PARTICIPATION
FirstEver Futsal 10 Hours Women's Marathon - TEAM RED
Women's Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup - TEAM AUSTRALIA
Women's 20 Hours Futsal Marathon - TEAM LIME/JESS
Women's Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup - TEAM AUSTRALIA WINNERS
Women's World Dodge Ball 2013 - TEAM ASIAN COBRAS

THE FUTURE
Born on April 15, 1995, Aisha is 5'9 of strong build, she loves all sports and has a great passion for greyhounds.
Her future aspirations are working for the police force and running her own personal training gymnasium. Aisha is looking forward to the year ahead, following in the footsteps of her sister Salma.
Aisha knows she has her own path to create and when the moment is right she will set even bigger and better records!Twitter @Aisha_Bi