Kicking it: Halima Khan

Let's Kick Racism Out of Football  reported this week that Halima Khan has become the first Asian female to gain a rugby league level two coaching certificate.

Having already received level two coaching certificates in a number of other sports, including tennis, cricket and badminton, Halima attained the qualification in her preferred sport with the assistance of the Connecting Communities Project, a groundbreaking initiative set up by the Leeds Rugby Foundation.

Halima who got her qualification in December is now busy looking to pass on her skills and knowledge, encouraging more people from all sections of the communities to get active.

Employed by Bradford Council's Sport & Leisure Service, Halima said: "I have always enjoyed participating in sport activities even at a young age and I am keen to carve out a career in this direction. I have really enjoyed working on the Connecting Communities Project."

Halima has been under the tutelage of Connecting Communities manager and former Rugby League star Ikram Butt, a Kick It Out ambassador who has been heavily involved in the campaign's Moving On Up scheme.

She regards the support of Ikram to be priceless, "Ikram is an inspiration to me and has provided me with tremendous support."

Commenting on Halima's achievements, Ikram stated: "Halima is truly an inspirational role model for all aspiring young female coaches and it has been a pleasure to work with her.

"Halima is playing a crucial part in encouraging more female coaches to get engaged in our project and rugby league and she has a bright future ahead of her."

Picture Halima and mentor Ikram Butt.