Pompey in the Community (PitC) and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) are hosting an Iftar (breaking of the ‘fast’ during Ramadan) this evening.
The event – being held in the PitC offices on Anson Road from 7.30pm to 9.30pm – is being catered by the city’s longest-serving Indian restaurant, the Akash.
The month of Ramadan is a period of fasting, sacrifice, giving, piousness and self-training, with the hope that these qualities will stay with individuals throughout the year.
It began on May 17 and lasts for 29 or 30 days, with Muslims abstaining from food and drink between sunrise and sunset.
An Iftar event in association with a football club’s charitable partner is the first of its kind and will be an opportunity for Muslims from across Portsmouth to come together with other community groups to share this unique experience, while also raising some money for PitC activities.
PitC director Clare Martin said: “As a club, inclusivity runs through the heart of what we do and we are looking forward to hosting the Iftar event and welcoming the Muslim community to our offices.
"As a club, inclusivity runs through the heart of what we do."
“The PFA’s Riz Rehman came to us a few months back and asked if we would be interested in doing such an event and it is something which we are embracing. Hopefully it is something we can do every year.”
Riz added: “I have been working closely with PitC for the best part of five years and have always been impressed with the great work they do.
“It was only fitting that we facilitate such an event in association with the trust and bring along all the different communities it serves.
“I have had enquiries from clubs across the country also wanting to host an Iftar event, but with careful planning we will be aiming to facilitate more next year during Ramadan.”
Pompey’s head of inclusion Colin Farmery said: “This is a fantastic initiative that the club are delighted to support.
“Building better relations with all faith groups in the city, including our Muslim community, has been a key area for the club of late.
“Riz has also invited me to fast for a day to get a better understanding of what Ramadan means. I will be doing this on Tuesday, so I will be really looking forward to attending the Iftar that evening!”
Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to learn more about the work of the PitC and share the breaking of the fast, while one lucky individual will have the opportunity to walk away with a Liverpool shirt signed by Mo Salah (courtesy of the PFA).