Passing It On
Framing the Stories of Football in Our Community
Passing It On: Framing the Stories of Football in Our Community included players past and present, fans of the club and local history experts coming together to create a documentary, digital and audio archive, and outdoor photography exhibition.
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Project Partners
Leicester Nirvana FC
– A Legacy of Family and Resilience
“More than just a football club, we are a lifeline, a community, and a family built on shared values and unwavering commitment.”
Passing It On: Documentory
Premiere screening at Re/action Festival, 26–27 July 2025
This video will be available to view from 10am on Saturday 26 July
Passing It On: Questions For Elders
This video is part of a collection of videos and podcasts created during the Passing It On project.
This video will be available to view from 10am on Saturday 26 July
More vidoes and podcasts coming soon…
Photography Exhibition
Exhibited at Re/action Festival, 26–27 July 2025
This exhibition celebrates a legacy built on community pride, anti-racism, and the unifying force of football through a grass-roots football club born from the activism of the Red Star youth group in the 1980s. Through striking images and personal stories, it shares how a club built by and for Leicester’s diverse communities became a symbol of activism, identity, and belonging.
Photographs taken by Lensi Photography
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Ivan Liburd
Joined Nirvana: 1985
As an 11 year-old boy roaming the streets of Highfields, joining Nirvana gave me a place to focus my energy and start my football journey.
Martin Street is a place that is synonymous with Nirvana and is a club landmark with great memories.
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Ayub Master, Yusuf Master, Iqbal Master
Joined Nirvana: 1975
We used to pay someone 2 pence to use their football because no one had a ball.
We played until the sun went down and it was dark. We did it for the love of the game.
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Rob Smith
Joined Nirvana: 2007
Being born and brought up on St. Saviours Road, Spinney Hill Park was my playground. I am proud to have witnessed Nirvana from the 80s to the club it is today. My son joined as a junior player in 2007.
Since then, I have become an active volunteer in many roles across the club. I love to see the positive impact our club has on people’s lives.
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Shahbaz Pathan
Joined Nirvana: 2014
The club stood for more than just football - equality, unity and opportunity.
The club’s commitment to fighting racism, promoting unity and offering a safe space for young people truly resonated.
It was a chance to be a part of a community-driven club making a difference both on and off the pitch.
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Mahomed Hashim
Joined Nirvana: 2016
I’ve been spending more time at the club at Hamilton Park as my sons participate in various teams, and my daughter recently joined Nirvana's first girls' team.
This has opened up opportunities for them in coaching and refereeing while helping us connect with the wider community.
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Zak Hajat
Joined Nirvana: 1994
From a 10 year-old playing on Martin Street to leading Nirvana today, my journey has come full circle.
It’s a privilege to give back, shaping a club that empowers young people and builds a stronger community.
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Mazzer Khan
Joined Nirvana: 1981
Our football came first, everything else came after.
You wake up Saturday morning and you prepare for your game. Clean your boots and let the football do the talking.
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Mushtak Yusuf
Joined Nirvana: 1981
Our football came first, everything else came after.
You wake up Saturday morning and you prepare for your game. Clean your boots and let the football do the talking.
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Iqbal Master
Joined Nirvana: 1979
Playing for Red Star as a 17 year-old boy, learning about life through football and then going on to become a coach myself was a beautiful thing.
And now I get to watch my grandchildren on their Nirvana journey.
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Red Star FC
Joined Nirvana: 1974
Forming a team from friendships; to creating a youth club that became a beacon of hope that fought against discrimination; to one day become one of the most diverse clubs in the region is truly amazing.
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Matthew Melbourne
Joined Nirvana: 1994
Nirvana gave me a safe place, a home, to be able to enjoy the thing I loved most as a young boy. Giving me an environment and community that was accessible and relatable to me.
(top row right with other Nirvana FC coaches and players)
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Khalam Bholah
Joined Nirvana: 2014
At the age of 4, Nirvana was my first ever football club and has always been a place where I have felt included.
It’s a club that has always included many new players, accepting everyone no matter who they are.
Our Timeline
Search by Date
How We Began – "Born out of necessity”
Converted from community need into opportunity, in Leicester’s Highfields in the ’70s/’80s.
Amid racial tensions and policy shifts, community members created Red Star to find voice and solidarity, ushering in a story of empowerment.
1975
Founding of Red Star FC
Founders: Abdul Kasu, Liyakat Ali Sarang, (Founding Players included: Mazzar Khan, Mushtak Yusuf, Iqbal Master, and others)
Joined the league in 1979
1979 – Rashpal Singh joined, becoming a driving force in political activism and funding.
1983 - Dilip Chauhan joins as a youth worker and has stayed on to support the club ever since.
1982
Move to Moat Boys School & Funding Breakthrough
The move to Moat Boys School supported the creation of the Red Star youth club. With new indoor halls and outdoor spaces, the club secured grants (£56,500 in 1982/83).
When relocation was threatened, young people staged two sit-ins (as per Leicester Mercury, Nov 1984):
“We will fight to stay here because we are needed.”
1982/83
Renaming to Leicester Nirvana FC
Rashpal Singh renamed the club to reflect peace, enlightenment, and inclusivity.
This marked a new phase: transforming grassroots play into pathways to professional football.
Late 1980s
Climbing the Pyramid
1986–87 – Mutual League Division One champions.
1989 – Promotion to Central Midlands League.
Early 1990s – Pivot towards youth development due to pyramid barriers.
2008
Merger with Thurnby Rangers
Formed Thurnby Nirvana, combining histories and securing position in Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division.
2010-2016
League Successes
2010–11 – East Midlands Counties League Cup winners.
2013–14 – East Midlands Counties League champions → promoted to United Counties League Premier Division (en.wikipedia.org, dmu.ac.uk, en.wikipedia.org).
2015–16 – Leicestershire & Rutland Challenge Cup winners at King Power Stadium.
2011
Home at Hamilton Park
Since late 2011, Hamilton Park has been the club's home, and was upgraded to meet league standards at step 5 of the pyramid system (en.wikipedia.org).
2013
Jesse Jackson Visit
Civil rights leader, Jesse Jackson visited Leicester Nirvana and planted a tree in memory of youth coach - Antoin Akpom, also recognising the clubs work challenging discrimination. Solidifying the club’s legacy in civil rights history.
2015
Leicester Nirvana Identity Restored
Club reverted to the name that resonates with its roots and aspirations.
Youth and Community Ethos
From U5s to U18s, the club prioritises diverse participation across more than 60 nations. More than football – it’s a community centre, legal support source (through the original Law Centre and legacy groups), youth empowerment hub, and family.
Senior Team Ground Locations
1979 – Spinney Hill Park
1980 – Evington Park
1982 – Victoria Park
1983 – Somerset Avenue
1984 – Martin’s Street
2008 – Dakyn Road
2010 – Gleneagles Avenue
2011 – Hamilton Park
Net Zero and Sustainability Leadership
Leading the charge in grassroots, Leicester Nirvana became the first UK amateur club in partnership with the UN SDG Football for the Goals and De Montfort University.
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Officially launched a partnership with De Montfort University. Find out more here
Became a member of the UN Football for the Goals (FFTG)
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Measured Carbon Footprint of the club
Find out more here
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Our work was presented to seven UN Regional Directors from across the world
Shortlisted for the Sport Positive Community Initiative Award
Presented our report, Embedding SDG’s Across Grassroots Football to the Director of the Outreach Division, United Nations Department of Global Communications
Presented at the Sported Webinar and to ENGSO Youth (European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation)
Won BASIS Partnership of the Year Award (basis.org.uk)
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Active in exhibitions and conferences (e.g., 'The Pioneers' at New Walk Museum and the Re/Action Festival outdoor exhibition)
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Pioneered a Citizen Science research project with De Monfort University and global partners
Advocacy and Challenging Discrimination
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Won Foxes Against Racism Award; campaigned for the FA 92‑Point Plan in 2013.
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Featured in “Asians Can’t Play Football” articles.
Clickhere to read the article
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Jessie Jackson visit
Campaigned for the FA 92‑Point Plan
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Launched a national campaign and roadshow to challenge discrimination, including the recommendation of the Rooney Rule
Find out more here
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Held a youth conference that provided a safe space to discuss racism in football
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Presented research and insights to the Minister of Sport to address discriminatory practices
Find out more here
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Launched BAME Football Forum, later influencing FA Diversity Code
Find out more here
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Pressed for safeguarding review after abuse incident
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Won Football Blacklist Award
Find out more here
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Launch NO RACISM kits as a continued commitment to challenging discrimination
Find out more here
Looking Ahead
Sustainability
Solar panels, energy-efficient clubhouse, eco‑kits and refills.
Advocacy
Continuing grassroots anti‑racism and religious inclusion leadership.
Growth
Expanding youth offerings, women and girls teams, legal and social support
More Club Highlights
Exhibition: ‘Leicester Nirvana: The Pioneers’ at New Walk Museum (Mar–Jun 2024) showcased culture and heritage. Find out more about the exhibition here
England Football featured Nirvana during Black History Month, October 2023. Find out more here
2023 Shortlist: Sporting Equals Awards – Community Project of the Year. Find out more here
