Huddersfield Junior Football League

UNITED FOR RAMADAN

Clubs from different religious backgrounds in the Huddersfield RCD Junior Football League were united recently as regular kick off times took a backseat to Ramadan.

The Islamic observance ran from 13 September to 13 October and was a time of fasting during daylight hours for Muslims around the world.

Faribank Chairman Shazad Bazir (left) is pictured with club sponsor Mohammed Shier of Shiers Solicitors.

And clubs like Fairbank FC, who field predominantly Muslim players, all received support from non-Islamic Huddersfield sides when they requested a late kick off time so that the squad could honour both their religious and league commitments.

Clubs including Netherton, Heckmondwike, Upperthong and Westend all agreed to 4pm matches so that the Fairbank players could take on water at full-time and Huddersfield RCD spokesperson, Eric Kershaw, commented: "It shows we have a unity in the League where people want to help each other regardless of their religious beliefs.”

West Riding County FA Football Development Officer, Dean Grice, added: "This is the kind of understanding that The FA are looking for from clubs and it shows that, with a little patience, teams from different backgrounds can work together."

Fairbank FC secretary, Akif Waseem, thanked all the local clubs who helped the Bradford-based side accommodate Ramadan: “The players want to play but we have to make sure that they don't suffer any ill effects from their exertions, so we are very grateful to the clubs who have helped us.

"Their patience and willingness to be flexible is greatly appreciated."

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