Football stadium open to Muslim community for inclusive experience.
Milton Keynes Dons is hosting weekly Iftars every Monday for the city’s Muslim community, in collaboration with the club’s official charity, MK Dons Community Trust and its Community Partners.
A four-week Iftar series started this week and will continue until Monday 16th March, bringing together diverse communities to break the fast, connect, and strengthen unity during Ramadan.
Last Monday the stadium hosted an African Iftar and subsequent meetings will be led by a different community organisation, creating a culturally rich and inclusive experience. They include:
· 2nd March (Somali Iftar)
· 9th March (Middle Eastern Iftar)
· 16th March (Asian Iftar)
The Iftars will run from 4pm to 8pm and take place in the Club Red Lounge which can be accessed via Gate 1 at Stadium MK. Upon arrival, light refreshments will be available during some important community networking for attendees.
There will then be a presentation which will include a welcome address, some short reflections on Ramadan, community updates, and partner acknowledgments. Maghrib will then begin, with dates and water available, as well as soup, before prayer begins.
Afterwards, there will be a buffet and finger food selection during some more networking and family engagement, with food available to take home.
In addition, this Saturday 28th February, Stadium MK will also be hosting one of the UK’s biggest Grand Iftars in Arena MK. Hosted by ‘Mubarak Moments’, more than 2,500 people are expected to attend, with doors opening at 1pm.
On Saturday, 14th March the MK Dons Community Trust’s Multi-Faith Football Tournament will take place from 3-5pm at Tattenhoe Sports Pavilion. It’s a day where people of all backgrounds can come together through sport.
The event is split into a Men's 5-a-Side Tournament (ages 16+) and a Boys' Football Development Activity Session, perfect for allowing boys to learn new football skills, build confidence, and make new friends.
“We’re delighted to open up our doors during Ramadan and support our local communities,” said Fahad Al Ghanim, Chairman of MK Dons and the Stadium MK Group.
“It’ll be amazing to see us welcome over 2,500 people to Stadium MK for one of the largest Grand Iftars in UK this Saturday while delivering weekly Iftars every Monday throughout Ramadan.
“As we continue to work hard to grow MK Dons and the wider Stadium MK Group, it is very important to us that all communities across the city join us on this journey, so we see this as an important step forward in our community engagement.
“We will also be offering everyone that attends these events a free ticket for our Community Day fixture vs Harrogate Town on Saturday, 7th March.”
To take part in this Multi-Faith Football Tournament, follow this link and book your place before registration closes on Wednesday, 11th March.
