Carlisle United were delighted to welcome the Muslim and non-Muslim community to celebrate Ramadan by hosting an Open Iftar event at Brunton Park on Friday 21 March.
Over 150 people attended the event, coming together to mark the breaking of the fast at sunset in The Andrew Jenkins Stand sponsored by Pioneer Foodservice.
It was a great opportunity to demonstrate support for the growing Muslim community in Carlisle and the surrounding area.
Carlisle United Chief Executive, Nigel Clibbens, welcomed everyone to Brunton Park before speeches from Fans For Diversity Campaign Manager at the Football Supporters Association Nilesh Chauhan, Carlisle Islamic Centre Imam, Abdur Rashid, and Mohammed Dalech.
The fast was then broken with the consumption of dates and water provided by Aqua Pura before prayers in the Family Zone.
After the prayers, the attendees were invited to the East Stand Hospitality Lounges for food provided by John Watt & Son, kindly funded by Fans For Diversity.
There was a great sense of unity as everyone mixed together to eat and socialise while enjoying the food.
EDI Lead for the Club and Community Sports Trust, Teresa Mulholland said: "We are incredibly proud to once again host an Open Iftar event at Brunton Park, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate Ramadan.
"Football has the power to unite communities, and this evening was a wonderful example. The warmth, friendship, and inclusivity on display truly reflects our club's values.
"We are grateful to Mohammed and the Imam for helping us to organise the event, Nilesh at Fans For Diversity/Football Supporters Association for providing the funding for the food and appreciate him driving all the way up to join us for the event, John Watt & Son for the delicious food and all of our partners, supporters, and the wider community for making this event such a success."
Mohammed Dalech said: "It's been exciting working in partnership with the Carlisle Islamic Centre, Carlisle United, and Fans For Diversity this Ramadan for the second year to highlight the importance of community unity, which I believe is the gateway for change and unity in the community.
"Attendees of all faiths and none symbolise diversity, social cohesion and people from all walks of life in Carlisle.
"I am proud of the legacy we have rooted in the heart of Carlisle in line with our Islamic faith, and I hope we can further this by working collaboratively with the community and Carlisle United."
Fans For Diversity Campaign Manager at the Football Supporters Association, Nilesh Chauhan said: "As Fans for Diversity Manager, I couldn't be prouder of Carlisle United for hosting this Iftar.
"Football is about bringing people together, and tonight showed the power of the game to unite communities.
"Seeing fans, players, and locals breaking bread side-by-side is exactly what inclusion looks like in action."
Lead Pastor of Elim Community Church, Dave Allen said: "As the lead pastor of the Elim Community Church, it was a real honour to be invited by Imam Abdur Rashid to the Ramadan Open Iftar.
"To be able to respect each other's differences and embrace ways to work together to make Carlisle a better place for everyone made the evening very special."
Nigel Clibbens said: "It was great to welcome the community to Brunton Park for our second Iftar.
"It built on the success of the first and was bigger and better.
"As a community club, it is important we are open and accessible to all and with over 150 people attending this year, we are looking to see even more here next year."
