A FORMER member of the RAF who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is behind a new community project working to change perceptions of the military.

Kayam Iqbal, who set up military charity the Oppo Foundation last year, has partnered with Bury FC to bring together different sections of the community and tackle misconceptions surrounding the armed forces and religion.

The 35-year-old, from Bury, left the Royal Air Force in 2010 and was inspired to create his own company, OppO Recruitment, to offer employment advice and opportunities to ex-military personnel.

Now he is turning his attention to uniting young people from different ethnic backgrounds, with the support of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Muslim Forum.

Mr Iqbal said: “I’m passionate about the Changing Perceptions project because we need to tackle segregation within communities and misconceptions surrounding religions, and military personnel.

“We hope that football is the perfect way to do that because it is something that unites people from all walks of life.

“Over the course of the season, we aim to dispel some of the myths and propaganda that taint our beliefs and create damaging divides within our society.

“The project is about supporting people across the community, and particularly young people.”

The charity will have hoardings displayed around the Gigg Lane pitch this season, and will hosting events at a number of home games.

Members of the community – from service personnel, veterans, reservists, youth groups and faith groups – will be invited to watch matches and get involved in building positive relationships.

The partnership with Bury FC will kick off at the first home game of the season against Swindon on August 15.

Mr Iqbal, whose company is based in London, hopes to roll out the project nationally if successful.

He added: “Changing people’s perceptions about me being a Muslim in the military has always been a difficult conversation to try and have.

“I come to Bury quite a lot and it will always be my home. When you are in the military you never have a stable place to call home, so I think that strengthened my connection to Bury.”