Guests from all cultures and faiths across the district were invited to the University of Bradford Stadium last night, as Bradford City AFC joined forces with club partner Regal Foods to host an Iftar event.
Over 130 people gathered in The McCall Suite at Valley Parade to attend Iftar - a daily event occurring throughout the holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims come together to break their fast and participate in prayer.
The evening began with an introduction from Bradford City Community Foundation business development officer, Qasim Akhtar, before guest speakers and question and answer sessions preceded the opening of the fast and prayer, before a meal was shared.
Speakers included City's chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, and Regal CEO Younis Chaudhry, who spoke about his own journey of faith and experiences as a practising Muslim, before addressing the importance of the club's partnership with Regal, and the new Regal-sponsored Multi-Faith Prayer Room which officially opened in February.
Two of City's rising academy stars and practising Muslims Bilal Hussain and Zac Hadi also spoke on stage, after a performance from Nasheed composer and songwriter Ismail Hussain and speech from founder of the British Asian Rugby Association, Dr Ikram Butt.
Younis Chaudhry, CEO of Regal Foods, said: “We are delighted to have partnered up with Bradford City to host our first Iftar event.
“There comes a time in life when you want to start giving back to others, and our partnership with Bradford City allows us to do this, whether this is through community initiatives or supporting charities. It is my biggest pleasure, especially during the month of Ramadan.”
Sparks said: “It was great to welcome so many people from across the district to the University of Bradford Stadium last night, for our second Iftar event in the past year.
“To see upwards of 130 guests enjoying a meal together, networking and listening to some of the fantastic figures we had speaking and performing was very pleasing.
“We are immensely proud of Bradford’s diverse culture, and this is something we embrace every day in our efforts to make our club an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
“I would like to thank our friends at Regal Foods for sharing our vision, and for their hard work in making last night a success. I hope everyone celebrating can enjoy a happy and peaceful Eid al-Fitr.”
Regal Food Products Group Plc was founded in Bradford in 2001, with a partnership with the club seeing its brand appear on the playing shorts of each of City’s 2022/23 kits. For more information, please CLICK HERE.