Ramadan Celebrations at Motspur Park
On Tuesday 11th April, we joined Fulham FC and London FA at Motspur Park for a Ramadan inspired football tournament, Iftar (breaking of the fast), and conversations about how to support Muslim football players within London and Surrey.
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), according to Islamic belief. This year’s Ramadan started on the 22nd March and is expected to end on the 21st April, subject to the sighting of the moon.
The event began with some of the players practising their faith with prayer (Asr – late afternoon prayer) before the football competition commenced. The 7-a-side tournament was comprised of six teams, including Nujum Sports, London FA, Fulham FC Academy, Fulham FC Foundation, Frenford and Surrey FA, with an abundance of skill on show. There was plenty of spirited competition between the teams, with great respect shown to one another.
The winning team on the night was Nujum Sports, an organisation with a primary mission of ‘Enabling Muslim Athletes to flourish and fulfil their potential’. Their aim is to provide a 'better understanding, learning, and tolerance of the Islamic faith'. They wish to voice the 'Islamic values of fairness, collaboration, and celebration to raise the ‘beautiful game’ further'. These values were all very much reflected throughout the event.
After the football, everyone came together to congratulate the winning teams and break the fast (Iftar). All participants were able to sit collectively and enjoy the wonderful food and drink provided by Fulham. The Iftar offered a great time to emphasise the significance of Ramadan and discuss the importance of supporting Muslim players in football.
We wish to thank Fulham FC for their hospitality and Nujum Sports for providing education on the Islamic faith.
Ramadan Mubarak to all our Muslim colleagues, friends, and participants. Best wishes for the holy month of Ramadan.
If you wish to learn more about Ramadan and ensure your club or team is inclusive and supporting The FA’s For All ethos, please use the England Football Ramadan 2023 Guidance Notes below:
England Football Ramadan 2023 Guidance Notes
If you have any further questions, please contact our Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity Officer Eve Roberts at Eve.Roberts@surreyfa.com.