Meet Abdal

Abdal Ahmed is a youth coach, East London community leader, charity worker and entrepreneur.  Abdal is tireless in his quest to empower people; whether he is training young people in sports, volunteering in East London or working alongside the Human Relief Foundation to end suffering in some of the poorest regions in the world.

As a semi-professional footballer with a successful career, Abdal recognised the power of sport to unite people and provide new opportunities for individuals as well as communities. Abdal came to the University of East London late in the year and secured a place on our Foundation Degree before pursuing a BA in Sports Science.

His time at the University of East London was life-changing for Abdal. As well as learning skills in sports coaching and development, Abdal met many friends and connections throughout the East End and beyond that, he continues to work with today.

Always giving back

Since graduating, Abdal has travelled around the world developing schools and sports initiatives, building water wells and providing food and medical aid to refugee camps

Abdal has raised over £28,000 during the Covid-19 lockdown for projects in Ghana, the Philippines and Indonesia, supporting schools, mosques and orphans.   He aims to equip people with the tools and experience to progress through life and positively contribute to society.

Abdal opened the Ottoman Doner restaurant in Whitechapel and continues to volunteer within the community. During the COVID-19 crisis, he helped on the front line by delivering food to vulnerable residents throughout the capital.

Sport remains a big part of Abdal’s life, and he completed the London Marathon in 2018 and Prudential Ride London in 2019. Abdal continues to teach and mentor young people as he passes on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.