any of the players, some of whom who have just returned from international duty, made dreams come true at Carrington Training Complex for fans who are living with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

The heart-warming day takes place twice a season, and the latest event saw supporters from across the UK and Ireland meet their footballing heroes and watch first-team training. Fans also met United legend Wes Brown, who greeted the guests and provided them with goodie bags and pennants in anticipation of the day.

Erik ten Hag said: “It has been a pleasure to invite our fans to Carrington to watch training and meet the team as part of this special Dream Day experience, on a personal level I have found it so enjoyable attending.

“Taking time out to talk with families has been really rewarding for both myself and the players. It is so important spending time with our fans, especially those who are going through a tough time, so doing something small to make them smile is truly worthwhile.

“Seeing the connection and atmosphere between the players and the fans has been really nice and that sums up what Manchester United is all about.”

Jonny Evans was involved in several Dream Days during his first stint at the club and he was thrilled to be back experiencing such an important day. He said: “It’s amazing what the Foundation does. Throughout my time here, as a youngster, it was something that was always bedded into us; how important the fans are. It’s such a big part of this club and always will be.”

One of the fans who attended the event, Corey, 26, said: “We’ve come to watch the team train, met the players and just chilled out here really, it’s been brilliant. I grew up watching United and then my brothers were United fans and here we are today. The fact that they put this on is a dream come true.”

Pippa, mum to another fan in attendance – 17-year-old Sean – relayed the emotional experience that she and her son enjoyed. “It means a lot; he [Sean] has been through a lot in the last year. For him to come today, be well enough to come and just to see him smile, it means a lot because it’s been tough for him. My favourite part of the day was seeing his face and watching his reaction when the players walked through that door. It’s just magical, because it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him smile.”

For more information about Dream Days and Manchester United Foundation please visit www.mufoundation.org

The post Manchester United Dream Day: Erik ten Hag and players make dreams come true for fans first appeared on Asian Leader.

As part of the visit yesterday (Tuesday, 23 May) the cricket stars took part in a coaching session delivered by the Yorkshire Cricket Board, alongside 20 pupils.

Masood said: “I think it’s really important to give back – firstly to help support the community and secondly to help the game to grow.

“Sport connects people and communities from different backgrounds all around the world. That’s what makes it so special.

“I’m really grateful to the school and to Yorkshire for giving me this opportunity to come here, spend some time with the young people, and give something back.

“In this world the best you can have is the support of each other and seeing the students smiling and having fun – those are the things that you want.”

Currently The Ruth Gorse Academy supports around 20 students in the ‘sport in excellence’ programme, across a range of sports including football, boxing, tennis, Irish dancing and its ‘Big 3’ sports of volleyball, rowing and karate. 

Ruby and Naby are both part of the rowing programme and expressed how much they had enjoyed taking part in the cricket session. 

Ruby said: “I’ve really enjoyed today and my favourite part was having a go at batting.”

“Being part of an inner-city school means that we are quite limited to what opportunities we get so to be able to play cricket here today means a lot.” 

“Being able to take part in sport has given opportunities to me and it has opened me to a world that I would never have expected – hopefully I will go far in the future of sport.”

Naby, added the best bit of today was getting to play with professionals and learn from them.

He said: “The fact that two professional cricket stars came over here has been great. They helped us learn more about cricket and today has helped inspire us. Sport for me is brilliant.”

Another highlight of the academy visit was a Q & A with the students and Masood and Mike followed by an autograph signing session.

Mike said: “It was a really great visit. It was nice to take part and show the students some cricket. 

“I think it is massively important to inspire young people. I know with cricket there can be a lot of barriers to entry – it’s sometimes seen as a sport that is very elite… so it’s nice to come into urban areas like this and introduce cricket to them. 

“There are some real superstars here – they were saying one of the pupils can deadlift 180kg – he would be a good fast bowler – he’s got the build for it. 

“It was great to see that some of the girls were hitting it further than the boys. With a little bit of coaching, I could see some of them coming a long way.”

Students at The Ruth Gorse Academy are able to access exceptional opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities. As well as the extensive health and fitness clubs run by the PE department, students have the chance to access a wide range of free of charge activities. 

Charlotte Ball, Curriculum Leader of PE at The Ruth Gorse Academy, said: “This is an absolutely incredible experience for our students.

“We are an inner-city school – we have a diverse school community and sport is very much at the heart of our academy. Sport is used as a vehicle for success. 

“Cricket is a sport we are hoping to expand further, and an event like this can start a conversation with students. Cricket is on our curriculum and we look at ways that we can make it accessible and work for us here, regardless of us not having a field in which to play – but we want to offer it to all of our students.

“It’s incredible for us to see how excited they are to meet the Yorkshire players and be able to play alongside them it really is an excellent opportunity for them. We want to open doors for our students and ultimately let them experience as many different sports as they possibly can.”

Yorkshire CCC’s Performance Pathway has been a key building block in ensuring the Club is encouraging greater access to cricket for young people across the county. Across boys and girls age groups, the programme has introduced measures including removal of match fees, the provision of kit and winter coaching free of charge, alongside the creation of an accessible hardship fund for those that require further financial support. Over the past year, these changes have seen the 940 young people come through the Performance Pathway, with a notable upswing in participation and engagement from people from diverse backgrounds. The results demonstrate that focused investment on providing equity of opportunity and driving inclusivity can lead to strong results in a relatively short timeframe.

The post Yorkshire CCC stars in surprise Leeds school visit first appeared on Asian Leader.

With almost a decade of service and hundreds of pupils achieving university places, scholarships and jobs in the sport industry, the Rochdale AFC Sports College is looking for its next intake and has some exciting developments for next year’s students.

As well as making use of facilities at the Crown Oil Arena, learners will now have exclusive use of the fantastic facilities at Heywood Sports Village.

A full size 3G for training and matches as well as a small sided 3G, gym, pool and classroom facilities will host the newly expanded program, which will now also cater for Level 2 learners and a degree programme.

An education first programme, the Rochdale AFC Sports College is the only official post 16 education programme supported and linked to Rochdale AFC, with students representing ‘the Dale’ in the official CEFA League.

Ryan Bradley, Community Director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust Commented:

“The charity has delivered a further education programme for a number of years with the LFE- the official education partner of the EFL.

We have been looking at how we expand the programme whilst retain our outstanding quality and the move to Heywood and backing of the club as the only official programme in the borough will stand us in great stead.

We have a really good offer for school leavers who want a career in sport or a place at university in the UK or abroad whilst also supporting individuals’ football development” Finished Bradley.

Simon Gauge, Rochdale AFC Chairman added:

“Rochdale AFC Community Trust are the club’s official charity and have an excellent reputation for serving our community.

We are delighted they have chosen to expand, and it’s come at an ideal time, as we look to strengthen our academy offer by focussing resource onto our elite teams.

The community trust will do a fantastic job of delivering the programme going forward.”

The expanded Sports College provision replaces the current ‘Elite Development Squad’ model, which has operated at Heywood Sports Village in recent years, as the clubs official Further Education programme in the Rochdale Borough.

If you are a year 11 pupil/parent and are thinking of joining us, you can find out more/enquire here:

https://rochdaleafccommunity.org/sports-college/

Alternatively, email education@rochdaleafc.co.uk

The post SPORTS COLLEGE programme expanded first appeared on Asian Leader.

Funds raised from the event will be split between Manchester United Foundation and Centrepoint, a charity that supports homeless young people, as both organisations look to help those who are living in crisis.
Fans braved the freezing December temperatures to gain an insight into the issues surrounding homelessness, and the challenges facing young people in poverty.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, John Shiels MBE, chief executive officer of Manchester United Foundation, and Julie Milnes, director of fundraising at Centrepoint, addressed supporters about current societal issues and the collaborative work being done by both organisations to improve the circumstances of young people.
“This club was built on the success of youth, and whether that’s on or off the pitch, there’s no better way to honour that legacy than here, sleeping out in the iconic Munich Tunnel. This winter will be incredibly difficult for many young people across the UK, and I am truly grateful to everyone that is here with us tonight braving the freezing temperatures. Their dedication means we can continue our work in supporting the most vulnerable in society and helping them to make positive choices in their lives.”

Julie reiterated John’s sentiment adding: “We are incredibly grateful to the Foundation for choosing to support Centrepoint at today’s sleepout, and for everyone who has swapped their beds for sleeping bags on this very cold evening so that fewer young people have to.
“These challenging and uncertain economic times are pushing many people to breaking point – especially vulnerable young people who continue to be dealt a bad hand. Money raised from today’s sleepout will go a long way towards helping them turn their lives around, and in supporting our wider mission of ending homelessness for good.”
Coronation Street actor and supporter of the Foundation, Antony Cotton is also swapping his bed for the night. “I’m thrilled that Centrepoint have linked up with the Foundation with the idea of ending youth homelessness because they’re two groups of people that I love and respect. It’s a really nice partnership and people will get to find out more about both organisations.”

During the evening, participants were given the opportunity to listen to real-life calls made to Centrepoint’s Helpline, as well as writing a message to a young person experiencing homelessness.
United fan Liv said: “Having the chance to experience and see what homeless people, and particularly young people, have to go through every night – not just one night – I figured that one night would be worth a go.
“People couldn’t believe I was doing it on my own, but bar the coldness, that’s something else that those young people have to go through – you don’t know who it is that you’re going to be sleeping next to in the evening, which was a big thing for me as well.”
Fellow Reds supporter Gavin said: “I’m a massive Man United fan. It’s about awareness, breaking stigmas – particularly with homelessness – and at this time of year at Christmas and in the cold weather. Until you’ve experienced it [sleeping rough], I don’t think you’ll ever know how it feels.
“It’s that education element where you have to walk in the shoes of a homeless person to realise it, and if you do that, you will gain a better understanding and perceptions will change.”

Alongside fans, Manchester United executives and staff members also bedded down in the Munich Tunnel to help raise awareness of youth poverty and homelessness, while supporting the two charities. Moreover, club partners also kindly donated both time and items to the event.
Contributing partners include:

• DXC Technology – Presenting Partner of Manchester United Foundation – brought 16 of their staff members to the event to help raise awareness.
• Chivas – Official Spirits Partner of Manchester United – will provide a well-deserved breakfast for participants the following morning.
• Sportsbreaks.com – Official Supporter Travel Supplier of Manchester United – had five staff members attend and provided all supporters with a thermal mug and hat to keep them warm throughout the night.
  Donate to support those sleeping out: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/oldtraffordsleepout

The post Manchester United hosts first ever sleepout at Old Trafford in support of vulnerable young people this winter first appeared on Asian Leader.

Joe Root has today stepped down as England Men’s Test Captain.

Root holds the record for the most number of matches and wins as England Men’s Test Captain. His 27 victories put him ahead of Michael Vaughan (26), Sir Alastair Cook, and Sir Andrew Strauss (24 each).

After being appointed as Sir Alastair Cook’s successor in 2017, Root led the side to a number of famous series victories, including a 4-1 home series win over India in 2018 and a 3-1 triumph away to South Africa in 2020. In 2018 he became the first England Men’s Captain to win a Test series in Sri Lanka since 2001, a feat he went on to repeat with a 2-0 victory in Sri Lanka in 2021.

He is already England’s second highest Test run scorer of all time behind only Cook and scored 14 centuries as Captain. His tally of 5,295 runs as skipper is the highest by any England Captain and puts him 5th in the all-time list behind only Graeme Smith, Alan Border, Ricky Ponting and Virat Kohli.

Joe Root, said, “After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England Men’s Test Captain. It has been the most challenging decision I have had to make in my career but having discussed this with my family and those closest to me; I know the timing is right.

“I am immensely proud to have captained my country and will look back on the past five years with enormous pride. It has been an honour to have done the job and to have been a custodian of what is the pinnacle of English cricket.

“I have loved leading my country, but recently it’s hit home how much of a toll it has taken on me and the impact it has had on me away from the game.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, Carrie, Alfred and Bella, who have lived it all with me and been incredible pillars of love and support throughout. All of the players, coaches and support staff that have helped me during my tenure. It has been a great privilege to have been with them on this journey.

“I would also like to thank all the England supporters for their unwavering support. We are lucky to have the best fans in the world, and wherever we play, that positivity is something we always cherish and admire, which is a huge drive for all of us out there.

“I am excited to continue representing the Three Lions and producing performances that will enable the team to succeed. I look forward to helping the next Captain, my teammates and coaches in whatever way I can.”

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer said, “Joe has been an exceptional role model during his tenure, balancing the demands of Test captaincy whilst continuing to shine brilliantly through his own personal performances. He has led by example, and that has resulted in more Men’s Test wins than any other England Captain, alongside a number of famous series home and away victories.

“Joe’s leadership qualities were exemplified by how he led the team through some of the most difficult and uncertain times we have known, playing during the pandemic all over the world, which speaks volumes for him as a leader and as a person.

“I know that every single person who has played or worked under Joe’s captaincy will speak of his integrity and humility as a person, as much as his determination and example as a leader.

“Off the field, Joe has been no different. It has been a privilege and a huge pleasure to have worked with him in his capacity as our Men’s Test Captain, and I know he’ll continue to drive English cricket forward as a senior player, offering his wealth of experience and advice to support his successor.”

The post Joe Root steps down as England Men’s Test Captain first appeared on Asian Leader.

The 23-year-old Khan already has a wealth of T20 experience for Pakistan, playing 64 matches and taking 73 wickets. The leg-spinning batsman will be available to play for Yorkshire Vikings’ first five matches before returning for the final six matches of the group stage.

Darren Gough, Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s Managing Director of Cricket said: “I have been watching the team from afar over the past four or five years and I think that we have lacked a couple of things that I would like to see. I would like our one day game to go in a different direction.

“Shadab Khan is someone who can bat at the top, bat in the middle order and hits the ball a long way. He is also an unbelievable spinner. You can imagine Shadab, Adil Rashid and Dom Bess bowling together, giving us a fantastic spin department.

The all-rounder will join up with fellow Pakistan international Haris Rauf who will be available for the first five Vitality Blast matches.

Yorkshire’s newest recruit Khan said: “I’m really excited to be heading to Yorkshire for the Blast. Ever since I started my cricketing journey it has always been a dream of mine to play county cricket. It will be made even more special with me being able to play alongside my good friend, Haris.

“I can’t wait to meet my team-mates and get going.”

Khan will join the Vikings subject to international clearance.

The post Vikings Sign Pakistan All-Rounder Shadab Khan first appeared on Asian Leader.

The ECB is to support the continued expansion of the ACE programme so that it can provide opportunities for young cricketers from Black communities in more locations across England. ACE, which was originally established by Surrey Cricket Club in 2020, is now an independent charity designed to engage a new generation of children and young people from Black communities within the recreational game and talent pathway.

Following its successful expansion in Birmingham and, with support from Royal London, to Bristol during 2021, ACE will use the financial support from the ECB to establish programmes in four more locations (Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and additional London boroughs) so that it can provide opportunities to more young people. In each of its locations, ACE aims to build grassroots cricket programmes, develop talent pathways and talent ID systems to increase access for those from Black communities.

The ECB will also fund a National Operations Manager role at ACE to support the delivery of the expansion plans. Since its launch in south London, ACE has already created cricketing opportunities for more than 6,000 young people through its community hubs, academy, elite programme, trials and schools’ sessions. Over 10,000 young cricketers are expected to pass through ACE’s Talent ID programme each year in the new areas, with over 40,000 school children due to participate in ACE school schemes annually, with sessions due to launch in both primary and secondary schools in those areas.

Ebony Rainford-Brent, chair of the ACE programme, said:

“This is a really significant moment for ACE. Although we started small in south London, we always envisaged this programme was going to have a big national impact. To be in six cities and on both sides of the Thames in London within two years of existence proves that our model is starting to change the game.

“ACE is focused on connecting the dots to help under-represented groups from the grassroots to the elite. We know this programme will help open up new pathways to do exactly that and are excited to partner with the teams at all these different counties to have an impact.

“We’re really grateful to the ECB for this meaningful support, allowing us to build on our initial backing from Sport England and start taking ACE to the next level – a truly national organisation.”

Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women’s Cricket, added:

“The team at ACE are doing brilliant work creating opportunities for young people from Black communities to play cricket and develop their talent. After their early impact in south London, Bristol and Birmingham, we are really excited to be helping ACE to increase access to cricket in more urban centres across the country. We know that targeted opportunities and support are vitally important in making cricket a game for everyone and ensuring that every young cricketer can fulfil their potential.” Support for the expansion of the ACE programme is one of a range of actions that the ECB is setting out today in an update on the implementation of cricket’s game-wide plan to tackle racism and promote inclusion and diversity at all levels. The update also includes several other measures to address barriers experienced by players from diverse backgrounds in progressing into professional teams. Other immediate steps being taken include the expansion of the ECB’s Community Talent Champion programme, the offer of more than 3,000 bursaries to help more those from underrepresented groups to become cricket coaches or develop their skills, and the provision of £1 million of financial support for young people in the talent pathway.

The post ECB’s ACE programme to create more opportunities for young Black cricketers first appeared on Asian Leader.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, players were once again unable to deliver the gifts in person, but instead, players packed presents and sent virtual festive messages to patients and staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie and Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Thanking staff for their continued hard work and sending positive messages to help raise patients’ spirits, both teams also sent an array of United-themed presents including shirts, hats and annuals to spread some festive joy.

Scott McTominay expressed the importance of sending presents and best wishes during this time, he said: “Christmastime is such a special time of year; it’s important for the families and the kids to feel loved and feel that warmth around Christmas. The best part of being a footballer is seeing the smiles on fans’ faces.”

Cristiano Ronaldo also reflected on the annual tradition: “It is unfortunate that we could not visit the hospitals this year, as it is something I really liked to do when I was last here at Old Trafford. It’s so important that we give our support to the young people at this special time of year and it’s an honour for me to be part of this again.”

Manchester United Foundation leads the Christmas visits each year on behalf of the club, this year delivering over 2,000 Manchester United items for staff and patients.  

David Ireland, chief executive at Francis House Children’s Hospice, reflected on the importance of Manchester United’s support: “We have a visit every year and have for many years; it’s a really important part of Christmas for Francis House.

“It’s been a really difficult year, so just to know that people are thinking of us, not just for the families but for the staff here too, is really important. It’s not been an easy time; everyone is working under a lot of anxiety and stress, but these gifts give us that little bit of pleasure and a lift just when we need it, right before Christmas.”

There was also a special visit from club mascot Fred the Red who helped to pack and deliver gifts, much to the delight of the young people and families staying at Francis House.

Aaron Clarke, a father of children staying at Francis House, spoke of the positive impact of the visit: “It’s making good memories for them; with their sister being poorly it’s not as easy for them to go out and experience certain things.

“To show that people are there and care for them, it’s massive for them. Marcus Rashford has visited before, and Juan Mata also came to my daughter’s school – it just shows they care about us and the community.”

This support is part of Manchester United Foundation’s Santa’s Red Helpers campaign, which offers opportunities for young people, as well as supporting local communities and families over the winter period.

This year’s campaign is once again also supporting FareShare Greater Manchester, and the Club and Foundation have pledged £100,000 to provide 400,000 meals for those in need this Christmas. For more information or to support the Santa’s Red Helpers appeal, visit: https://bit.ly/SRHjustgiving

The post United players send Christmas gifts to local children’s hospitals first appeared on Asian Leader.

Given recent events, the Board has moved to appoint Darren to ensure immediate continuity and stability.

Darren starts his work for the Club today, and he will be relinquishing his media duties.

Working with the Club, one of Darren’s immediate priorities will be overseeing the recruitment of a new coaching team.

Darren Gough said:

“Yorkshire County Cricket Club has been part of my life since my earliest days in cricket when I made my debut in 1989, and I spent 15 happy years at the Club. Like many, I have followed how the Club handled the recent racism allegations with sadness and anger.

“I want to play my part in rebuilding cricket in Yorkshire and I am looking forward to working with the exceptionally talented group of players here. I am also aware of my wider responsibility to listen to everyone and ensure that every person who is associated with this club feels welcome, instilling values we want associated with the White Rose: honesty, straight talking, hard work, integrity and excellence.

“I share Lord Patel’s vision for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and the collective determination to face the issues head on with a series of positive actions. Change will not happen overnight, but I am certain that we can make Headingley roar again”.

Professor The Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, Chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Darren back to the Club, and are very happy that he has taken the job.

“As a former Captain of the Club, Darren’s impact on the Yorkshire and England teams was considerable as a player. His infectious enthusiasm and will to win will be so important as we aim to be the best on and off the pitch.

“As we start on this journey with Darren, we want to engage everyone at the Club and involve as many people as possible in shaping our direction. We have a considerable job ahead of us, but we are ready to embrace the opportunity together and build a brighter future for Yorkshire County Cricket Club”.

Darren Gough Biography

In his domestic career, Darren played county cricket for Yorkshire for 15 years, a leader and talisman for the team. He was a member of the 2001 squad that won the 2001 County Championship and, after captaining Essex, he returned to captain Yorkshire in 2007 and 2008 before retiring at the end of the 2008 season.

Regarded as one of England’s greatest fast bowlers, and oncedescribed as the ‘heartbeat of England’s cricket team,’ Darren is England’s twelfth most successful wicket taker in Test Match history. He made history as England’s first cricketer to take over 200 (235) wickets in One Day Internationals and is the only Englishman in a century to get a hat-trick in a Test Match against Australia in Australia, in 1998.

Darren holds an ECB Level 3 International coaching qualification and has held coaching positions with the ECB as Consultancy Bowling Coach to England in 2017 and 2019.

He is Ambassador to the Sir Stanley Matthews Coaching Foundation and was a catalyst in developing and implementing a grassroots cricket coaching program in Yorkshire, to provide young people with the skills and the opportunity to obtain their ECB Level 1 Coaching qualification to coach young children in their communities.

Darren has been talkSPORT’s Lead Cricket Commentator for England’s biggest International Test Matches from 2018-2021, as well as hosting the ‘Drive Time’ show.

The post Darren Gough appointed Managing Director of Cricket at Yorkshire County Cricket Club first appeared on Asian Leader.

Anyone wishing to lodge a formal complaint about any form of discrimination or harassment that they have suffered as a result of any act or omission of the Club will be able to do so using a dedicated email address.

We are also pleased to announce that Mohinderpal Sethi QC of Littleton Chambers has been appointed to lead the independent investigation process which will consider any allegations that are lodged through the hotline.  Mr Sethi QC is Head of the Employment Team at Littleton Chambers and Chair of the Employment Law Bar Association. He is a leading expert in discrimination and whistleblowing in the world of elite sports, and recently conducted an independent investigation for British Gymnastics into complaints brought by Olympians.

Mr Sethi QC will be announcing the terms of reference for his investigation process in due course. More information will be uploaded to the dedicated website page: www.yorkshireccc.com/whistleblower.

Professor The Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, Chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said:

“We need to listen to those who have experienced discrimination or harassment to help guide how we move forward as a Club. Since my appointment, I have urged others to come forward to share their experiences and I thank all of those who have spoken up so far. 

“Setting up an independent whistleblowing hotline will allow there to be a safe space for people to come forward, secure in the knowledge that their complaint will be taken seriously, and I am happy to say that we have been able to put this in place within the week. 

“Mohinderpal Sethi QC is eminently qualified in this area, and brings a wealth of experience as well as being completely independent from the Club. 

“We are very pleased that he has taken on the role, which is a vital first step towards ensuring that we can move forward from our past, to hear from those who have suffered, and to take action.  I am determined to make the Club an inclusive and diverse environment for everyone with a passion for County cricket”.

Mohinderpal Sethi QC said:

“I welcome the opportunity to lead this important independent investigation process. Those who report their complaints to the Whistleblowing Hotline should feel reassured that these matters will be addressed in a careful and impartial manner.”  

Liaison with West Yorkshire Police

Yorkshire County Cricket Club categorically condemns any harassment of its staff, which has recently included death threats. Nobody should feel discriminated against or abused and that includes the staff at Headingley. 

Lord Patel has had ongoing liaison with West Yorkshire Police since his appointment about this issue. Staff have been informed how to report any incidents and will be supported throughout the process.

The post Yorkshire CCC’s independent whistleblowing hotline will be operational from Monday 15 Nov first appeared on Asian Leader.