30-02-2007
There will be more info on Vetrans and also details on the cups Stepney own.
Stepney FC was established in 1993 for the purpose of engaging young people who are disaffected in society into mainstream provisions through the medium of sports. Over the past years it has grown into a borough wide initiative that brings young people from all backgrounds and ability together, using sports as a vehicle.
The aim of the organisation is to use sport to reduce anti social behaviour, crime and drug use among 12-25 year olds within our local geographical area.
The intended outcomes are:
A reduction in youth offending in the locality of the project
A reduction in drug misuse by young people
An increase in regular participation in sport and physical activities by young people
Improve the quality of lives of young people
Working in partnership with West Ham FC and Leyton Orient FC in developing young men as footballers and coaches
To encourage cross generational interaction of young people from different cultures and background
To build social and personal skills of young people in order for them to access education, training and employment
Outreach work to make contact with young people at risk of disengagementThe provision of sporting programmes targeting participation as a direct alternative to the "hanging out" and "drug misuse culture"Training and mentoring programmes using sporting activities as a focus Educational programmes linked to sporting skills, on and off the field of play, healthy lifestyles and positive attitudes Leadership skills programme based around sport 1993 - Stepney F.C is formed due to huge demand from local young people. Many of these young people were members of Ocean Youth, a local youth project based in Stepney, East London. At this period there were no shortages of talented footballers in the area. Many were playing for teams outside the borough, as there were very few quality teams and organised opportunities available to young people locally.
Stepney held its first training session in Stepney Green School and over 45 local young people attended. After few trial sessions that number was reduced to 30. Stepney F.C played some friendly matches and took part in few tournaments to gain some experience, as it was relatively an unknown team at the time.
1994 - The team was progressing well and showing signs that they can play at a higher level. A local Pub Landlord by the name of Alan saw the team play a few times and was very pleased with the attitude and commitment of the players. Alan decided to manage the team and brought in discipline and a professional approach to the club as a whole.
1995 - The team's status grew locally and everyone in the borough knew with the quality of players and an ex-boxer/fitness coach as a manager, Stepney was a force not to be underestimated. Later that year Stepney took a huge step and entered the Asian Football League.
1996 - The team played some outstanding football in the Asian League and won promotion to the Premier division in its debut season. Amjad Hussain, a Stepney legend who will be missed forever. Amjad died in 1999 after a serious illness. He scored over 30 goals that season and played some unforgettable games. May Allah have mercy on him.
Stepney organised its first international trip to Bangladesh. The team played three matches, winning two and drawing one. Both Amjad and Rahul showing their class and were very impressive.
May 1996 - saw the trails for Stepney's Denmark trip. This is where the current squad of players first came on to the scene. A 22-man squad went to play in Denmark and impressed everyone at the tournament. The team reached the quarter -final stage and were knocked out in extra time. Two players were approached by scouts from Brazil and America to play in their countries. This provided the proof, the talent Stepney had to offer even at that stage.
1997- The likes of Muffazul Uddin, Tharik Hussain, Rofiqun Choudhury, Shamimuz Zaman made their debut for the first team. The young fearless and gifted players made their mark with the established players such as Faruk Uddin (Frank), Sunur Uddin, Forid Ahmed, Runu Miah, Akik Miah, Abdul Boshor and Rahul Sidiker.
This new mix of youth and experience team was formed by David Joseph, who went on to manage the team until 1999.
1998- As well as playing in the Asian League, Stepney once more took two teams to Denmark. The under 14's were represented by some of the current first team players. Faruk Miah, Zahed Khan (Zola), Forhan Uddin, Harun Miah, Toklisur Rahman, Dilwar Hussain, Irash Rahman all played some classy football. The team represented Bangladesh and was managed by Forid Ahmed, for whom it was an outstanding achievement to take the teams to the Semis. Many people in the competition actually believed the team was the Bangladeshi National youth team.
With so much attention paid to the Denmark trip, and the constant chop and change by David Joseph resulted in some poor displays in the Asian League. Stepney failed to avoid relegation and found themselves playing in the 1st Division the following season.
1998 (Sept) Following the teams poor run of form and subsequent relegation, David Joseph was asked to step down as First team Manager and take charge of the under 19's.
Forid Ahmed was named Player/manager for the First team and this was to be the turning point for Stepney's success. With so many young and experienced talented players, Stepney was underachieving and the true potential of the team were not being realised. Forid Ahmed brought in Zakir Khan, former manager of Sporting Bengal for guidance and support. A partnership proved to be fruitful.
In April that year Stepney had its first Major silverware, winning the Tower Hamlets Lord Mayors Cup. The second title soon followed in tremendous style, with Stepney going on to win the League Bangla Division 1 without a losing a game.
Stepney continued to deliver and went in to the new season in the Asian League with huge confidence. Having played some crucial games, Stepney once again returned to the top flight by winning the 1st division with relative ease.
2000- We found ourselves in the new millennium but Stepney carried on their winning ways as if there was no tomorrow. Stepney finished an impressive 3rd in the Premiership and were unlucky to end up runners-up in the ASF Cup Final.
2001- Forid Ahmed resigned as manager due to other commitments and took on the assistant/player role with the new Manager Sunur Uddin (Sonai). Sonai has been the backbone of the team as a player and with his experience and passion for football, seemed to the ideal choice.
That decision proved to be outstanding. Sonai carried on the previous good work and became the most successful manager of Stepney's history. He guided the team to every competition there to be won locally. Stepney won the ILAFL Cup that year and finished runners up in the League.
2002- The League title wasn't to elude Stepney for long as Sonai managed the team to perfection and captured the league title in style.
2003- This proved to be one of the most rewarding and yet very challenging year for Stepney. Youth Action Scheme, which has supported Stepney F.C since it was formed, closed down and the financial uncertainty put the team's existence in doubt. A new management committee along with a new constitution and development plan was formed. Abdul Boshor was elected as Chair of Stepney and many players took an active role to ensure that the Club did not fold. After negotiations with Ocean NDC they provided the lifeline for Stepney. NDC supported the team enormously and without their help and support, one of the most successful teams in London would have submerged.
With the clubs future in doubt, Stepney showed their true fighting character by reaching the Chelsea Asian Football Competition Final. Teams from all around England and Scotland took part and reaching the final was an outstanding achievement on its own right.
However Sunur's men rose to the occasion, the team in front of some 1000 supporters in Chelsea Stadium put on a display many would never forget. In front of likes of Ken Bates and Garth Crooks Stepney thrashed local rivals Beaumont Athletic 5-0.
2004- Stepney took another step forward by entering the Essex Business Houses Football League. Mujibur Rahman took Charge of the Sunday team and did brilliantly taking a young team to finish 3rd in the League.
Summer 2004 saw Stepney winning the League Bangla Premier Division once more and narrowly lost in the Cup final, unable to capture the double.
2004- (Sept). Sonai resigns as manager of Stepney due to business commitments. The new management committee did all they could to persuade Sonai to change his mind but to avail. We are forever grateful to him for his outstanding contribution as a player and as a manager. Sonai is still involved with the team and provides support whenever required.
After the resignation of Sonai, the management had no hesitation in appointing Shamimuz Zaman as the new manager. Like the two mangers before him, Sham comes into this position relatively new, but he has the character to succeed and undoubtedly will bring new ideas and more professionalism to the side.