Chelsea cut-across-communities Iftar event

Article posted by Coliseum, March 20^th, 2023

Image: Coliseum GSVA

On March 26^th, the Chelsea Foundation will host an Open Iftar at the side of the pitch at Stamford Bridge in London, England (UK), in what will be a first for the club and a Premier League stadium.

‘Chelsea FC’ stated that this will be held as part of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting from before dawn to sunset, which takes place from March 22^nd until April 21^st.

Formed in 2010, the Chelsea Foundation brings together the Football in the Community and the Education Department along with the club’s other charitable and community activities, including its international work and anti-discrimination projects. As one of the world’s leading football social responsibility programs, the Chelsea Foundation uses the power of football and sport to motivate, educate and inspire. It believes that the power of football can be harnessed to support communities and individuals both at home and abroad.

Apply for membership

The Chelsea Football Club is an English professional football club based in Fulham, West London, UK. Founded in 1905, they play their home games at the Stamford Bridge. The club competes in the Premier League, the top division of English football. They won their first major honor, the League championship, in 1955.

The Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, adjacent to the borough of Chelsea in West London, UK. It is the home of Premier League club Chelsea F.C. With a capacity of 40,341, it is the ninth largest venue of the 2022-2023 Premier League seasons and the 11^th largest football stadium in England.

‘Chelsea FC’ further stated that the United Kingdom’s largest community event in Ramadan, Open Iftar, allows Muslims observing Ramadan the opportunity to gather to break their fast together as well as providing a safe space for mutual dialog and engagement.

A number of local mosques and members of Chelsea’s Muslim community such as supporters and school students will be invited to attend, along with the Chelsea F.C. staff.

The Open Iftar will be run in collaboration with the Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity established in 2013 with a mission of bringing communities together and developing the understanding of Ramadan.

The Ramadan Tent Project, who are this year celebrating their 10-year anniversary, organizes the annual Ramadan Festival which is a yearly celebration of art, culture and creativity inspired by the holy month of Ramadan.

Commented Omar Salha, Founder and head honcho of the Ramadan Tent Project, “For the past decade, the Ramadan Tent Project has connected and convened over half-a-million people from all backgrounds through its annual Ramadan Festival and flagship initiative Open Iftar. We are honored to bring Open Iftar to Stamford Bridge, on the occasion of our 10-year anniversary and our 2023 theme of ‘Belonging’, and work in partnership with Chelsea F.C. who has been driving inclusivity in football. To such an extent, the ‘Pride of London’ will be the first Premier League club in history to host an Open Iftar event. Football and Ramadan brings people together over shared experiences and we are thrilled to share this important celebration with football supporters from all backgrounds, representing a community of communities.”

Ramadan will be recognized at Chelsea F.C. and Chelsea Foundation as part of the ‘No To Hate’ campaign, which is a clubwide equality, diversity and inclusion program that targets hate and discrimination and aims to educate all stakeholders inside and outside of Chelsea F.C. and football.

Promoting religious tolerance is one of ‘No To Hate’s’ key focus areas, with other religious festivals highlighted throughout the calendar year.

Stated Simon Taylor, Head of Chelsea Foundation, “I’m delighted to announce our Open Iftar alongside the Ramadan Tent Project and we are extremely proud to be the first Premier League club to be doing so. Recognizing Ramadan and our Muslim community is a crucial aspect of our work in promoting religious tolerance and I look forward to welcoming everyone on March 26^th.”

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 250 member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue