Hosted by the club during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the gathering welcomed participants from grassroots football programmes, club and West Ham United Foundation staff, members of the club’s Inclusive Irons supporters’ group, and women’s team player, Inès Belloumou.
The event provided an opportunity for guests observing Ramadan to break their fast together, while also welcoming members of the wider West Ham family to learn more about the meaning and significance of the holy month.
Proceedings began with a presentation titled Faith in Play - The Meaning of Fasting Month, delivered by West Ham United’s employability manager and link mentor, Rashid Abba, alongside Farhad Olaleye. The session offered insight into the spiritual importance of Ramadan, the practice of fasting, and the values of reflection, gratitude and community that underpin the month.
As sunset approached, guests gathered for a moment of reflection before the call to prayer (Adhan), led by the Imam who leads Friday prayer at the club’s training ground, marking the time for Iftar. Attendees broke their fast together with dates and water before observing Maghrib prayer, followed by a shared meal and time for conversation and connection.
Women’s team player, Inès Belloumou joined the evening to show her support for supporters and members of the community observing Ramadan.
She said: “Ramadan means a lot to me, and this is my first one in London. I came today with my mum and to share this Iftar with Muslim and non-Muslim people like this, it has been amazing.
“The club have been very supportive and have been helping me during Ramadan, my teammates too have been great during this time. Being here at The Foundry with everyone and sharing what Islam is, how we can improve ourselves and what this month means to us.”
Employability manager and link mentor at West Ham United, Rashid Abba who led the event, said: “Today has been about bringing the community together, with the club being engaging and at the heart of it. We had the opportunity to talk about the five pillars of Islam, and focusing on fasting during our discussion on ‘Faith in Play’.
“This event represents togetherness, our diverse communities and breaking down barriers. Connection is so important and the club hosting this event is embracing that.
Imam Khalil Ibn Elyas Laher, the men’s team chaplain from the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, who led the call to prayer and Maghrib prayer, said: “One of the universal values as to why Muslims fast is to show generosity to everybody and to have discipline in everything we do. Breaking fast is a significant moment and a private powerful moment for prayer to God.
“An Iftar event like this is really meaningful. When we break bread with each other and talk to each other, it’s what West Ham United have hosted here that helps break down barriers and help people learn about other cultures and faiths. It helps bring people of faith and non-faith together, so we learn what brings us closer together, rather than what differences we have.”
The evening concluded with a closing moment of thanks, as guests reflected on the importance of community, understanding and togetherness during Ramadan.
The club also held a special Iftar event earlier in the week for academy players and their families, at the Chadwell Heath training ground. Led also by Rashid Abba, it was a time for reflection the young players and an opportunity to spend this special time with their teammates and loved ones.