Bradford (Park Avenue) Hosts Ramadan Community Event
March 16, 2026Local organisations come together to promote inclusion through sport
On Monday 9 March 2026, Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC hosted a community event at Horsfall Stadium to mark Ramadan. The gathering, organised in partnership with the BPA Sports Foundation, ISSE Ltd, and Sported, aimed to foster connections among community leaders, grassroots sports groups, faith representatives, and local partners from across Bradford.
The event, titled “Connect, Collaborate and Inspire,” provided a platform for attendees to reflect on the importance of community, generosity, and inclusion during Ramadan. It also highlighted the role sport can play in bringing people together and supporting social cohesion within the city.
Speakers and panel discussion
Several speakers addressed the audience throughout the evening. Matt Everett, Community Director at the BPA Sports Foundation, and Dr Ikram Butt from Sported spoke about how sport can help break down barriers and strengthen communities.
A panel discussion featured Reverend Nathan A Javed, Matt Everett, Nalette Tucker from Sunnah Sports, and Verity from Sported. The panellists shared their experiences of using sport as a tool for positive social change and discussed ways to promote inclusion and community cohesion through sporting activities.
Event conclusion and community impact
The event concluded with the opening of the fast led by an Imam, followed by a shared Iftar meal. This provided an opportunity for attendees to continue conversations, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnerships aimed at creating lasting positive impacts in Bradford’s communities.
This was the first Ramadan community event of its kind held at Horsfall Stadium. Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC expressed hopes that it will lead to further initiatives that use sport and community spaces to celebrate cultural diversity and foster collaboration.
Organisers and acknowledgements
- Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC
- BPA Sports Foundation
- ISSE Ltd
- Sported
The club thanked all partners involved in organising the event and those who attended, recognising their contributions to making the evening a positive and inspiring occasion.
For those interested in supporting the BPA Sports Foundation’s work in bringing sport and community opportunities to Bradford, donations can be made via Localgiving.
