Series 2 - Why Run? podcast - 23 September 2022

Today, Shakil coaches and teaches disadvantaged children in south London. He is a crew runner for Adidas Runners, helping others into the sport and has taken part in running events across Europe. He has also been a volunteer at major sporting events like the Women’s Euros this year.

For years though, Shakil struggled with self-confidence and self-worth due to criticism. Shakil always loved sport. Throughout his childhood – and into his 20s – football was his number one love. “All I knew was kicking a ball!”

Shakil’s parents however wanted him to become a doctor. They also insisted he learnt Arabic and attended the mosque regularly.“It was hard. Arabic was the second thing after school. You come home from school, have something to eat, and then go to the mosque from 5 to 7pm.”

Nevertheless, Shakil was part of the secondary school football team from Year 7 to 11. After leaving school though, he faced constant rejection by the football team he played for. Despite being in the squad, he was never selected to play in matches, which led to feelings of rejection and anxiety.“I was always the last one picked. It was borderline bullying. They always picked their friends. I just wanted one thing – opportunity – and I didn’t get that. I kept thinking “what have I done?…should I move on to another team… but I wanted to play for my community team.”

In 2015, Shakil’s friend invited him to enter the draw for an event launching Adidas Boost trainers. Shakil won a place – out of thousands – and ended up taking part in an amazing late-night mystery tour event across London which started at a secret location and ended at The Oval cricket ground. “It was crazy, one of the best nights of my life, and that sort of changed my life forever, said Shakil. “When I woke up in the morning, the messages I had on my phone, just blew me away. It felt like I’d won a trophy in football. It was a wish come true. Before that I thought running was boring.”

That was six years ago and today Shakil is a Crew Runner for Adidas Runners, encouraging and supporting other runners. He also now runs in international events for Adidas’ global team across Europe – including Berlin, the Athens Marathon and a race in Bosnia. “The difference between the football community and the running community is like the difference between night and day.”

Shakil loves helping people and also works as a PE primary school teacher in Southwark, south London supporting disadvantaged children and refugees, including Ukraine and Afghanistan. Many of the families he works with are incredibly poor living in temporary accommodation. Some of the children misbehave to attract attention when they struggle in school. Shakil says that sport helps them to express themselves as it is an international language. It gives the children the opportunity to share something positive together. Running is a particularly good sport for them as it doesn’t cost anything other than the price of a pair of trainers. “So many sport clubs cost money. It’s hard for children – particularly at the moment with the cost of living crisis,” explains Shakil.“Running is such an amazing sport, as any child can do it and all you need is space.”

Shakil has faced criticism – particularly on social media – for pursuing his passions. “Negative comments stay in your mind. My advice is to say ignore the comments, but it’s not easy. It’s made me nervous about posting pictures of me having a good time. Recently I faced criticism for being a volunteer  at the Women’s Euros , but it was an amazing event.”

Shakil says equality is all about opportunity. He says that many people in the Asian community don’t volunteer – because they get nervous. They don’t feel that they can ‘integrate with the people’.

“You feel like you’re not part of it and worry that people will not accept you for who you are,” says Shakil. “But the thing is, I’ve met some incredible people through volunteering and have benefited myself so much. I’ve had a great time. What I say to people is ignore the negative and focus on what’s best for you.”