Kash added to the squad
Northampton Town have signed Pakistani international defender Kashif Siddiqi on a professional contract.
Siddiqi, who had a trial period at Sixfields last season, has now signed his contract having overcome a hip injury.
Kash started his youth career at Arsenal before heading for a two year YTS spell at Boston United that included a call up on to the international circuit. He made his debut for the Pakistan national team in the 2008 Olympic Qualifiers and has won four caps for his country.
“We are giving Kash a chance,” said Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd.
“We are giving him an opportunity to impress. He has battled back well from injury and is now at the stage where he is training regularly.
“We’ve given him a chance to train with the first team and he is very keen and he’s very enthusiastic so we will monitor his progress and see how he goes.”
Away from football, Siddiqi is known for his community work. In 2012 he founded ‘The Kashif Siddiqi Foundation’ – a health and sports charity which promotes healthier lifestyles and encourages children to partake in sports. Building on the aims of the foundation, Siddiqi then co founded the international arm of the charity known as ‘Football For Peace’, which sets up goodwill peace initiatives globally alongside the United Nations.
Kashif has been recognised for a number of awards for his achievements both on and off the pitch. Most recently he has been shortlisted for the Inspiration Award at the Asian Football Awards, which will take place at Wembley Stadium on October 13th 2013 and is also being inaugurated under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco as a Champion of Peace later this year.
Siddiqi has been allocated squad number 30 at Sixfields.