Meet Zakariya Ahmed, Our Youngest Member of the SEND Youth Panel
Who is Zak?
Zakariya Ahmed, the youngest member of our youth forum for young people with SEND, shares his passion for cricket and finding a sense of belonging at North Middlesex Cricket Club in our borough.
Zak's Cricket Journey
Zakariya, also known as Zak, is 11 years old and currently in Year 7. His love for cricket began around age 4, inspired by his Pakistani father and English-West Indian mother, both with rich cricket backgrounds. Zak proudly mentions North Middlesex Cricket Club as one of his favourite spots in the Borough, where he's been a member for two years.
When asked what he loves most about cricket, he says:
"It's fun. Cricket has always been a big thing for me, from watching to playing official matches for the club against other local teams."
Zak's Transition to Secondary School
As he embarks on his journey into secondary school, Zak is already excited. His transition day introduced him to 10 new friends.
Meeting Coach James Parslow
Zak's coach, James Parslow, a former county player, warmly acknowledges Zak's enthusiasm and growth over the years. James is the captain of the first team at North Middlesex Cricket Club, coaching on Sundays, during the winter, and at camps. He's been coaching Zak for the past two years and has witnessed remarkable progress.
James said:
"Zak is amazing. He's probably one of the most enthusiastic players in the entire club. He takes on leadership roles with the other Under 12's, and his family has been an incredible source of support throughout his training journey."
Zak's mother is also a coach at the club, highlighting the family's shared passion for cricket.
The club places a strong emphasis on inclusivity. James explains:
"At our club, we are fortunate to have a wealth of coaches dedicated to meeting everyone's unique needs and abilities. Zak is a testament to our club's success. He started two years ago and has become one of our most active members and a leader within the group. We're extremely proud of him."
Elevated Youth Haringey
When asked why he joined the youth panel, Zak said:
"It was nice to find something where children with SEND could come, and we could talk, have fun, and discuss changes needed in the Borough. We discuss what's going well, what's not going so well, and how we can improve facilities for people with SEND."
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Zak and his coach, James Parslow.
Young people playing cricket at North Middlesex Cricket Club.