Nujum Sports scores big as Goals to open prayer rooms

In an exciting development for English and Scottish football fans of the Muslim faith, a unique partnership between Nujum Sports and Goals has paved the way for multi-faith prayer rooms (MFPR) to be created at every single Goals Football facility in the two home nations. [1] [2]

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What is Nujum Sports?Onwards and upwards Analysis Also read

Goals is the largest provider of football pitches in the UK, with in excess of 400 spread out in 43 locations. With the launch of the very first of these prayer rooms anticipated on 8 March — just a day or two prior to the start of the blessed month of Ramadan — we congratulate Nujum Sports on this achievement. [3]

In a 19 February press release, Ebadur Rahman, the Founder and CEO of Nujum Sports, said of the developments,

“At Nujum Sports, we believe in the power of sports to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.

“By collaborating with Goals Football to introduce multi-faith rooms, we are taking a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and creating welcoming spaces for everyone.” [1]

The joint statement also notes,

“These multi-faith rooms offer a dedicated space for individuals of different religious beliefs to engage in prayer, meditation, or spiritual activities without experiencing marginalisation or exclusion.

“Through the introduction of these facilities, Nujum Sports and Goals Football aim to foster unity, respect, and understanding among their staff, players, and visitors.” [1]

What is Nujum Sports?

Nujum Sports is a Muslim non-profit with a focus on acting as a voice for and encouraging the inclusion of Muslim athletes in Britain.

Since its establishment in June of 2021, it has led the way on attaining association level backing for Muslim inclusion in the fields of football, rugby, and cricket, in addition to numerous other sports, as well as partnerships with individual clubs. [4]

Through its efforts, in February 2023 Manchester City became the first Premier League club to regularly hold Friday prayers at its training facility, the Etihad Campus. [5]

The organisation has also been instrumental in producing the Muslim Athlete Charter, a one-of-a-kind document that ensures signatories — whether they be clubs, associations, or even local facilities — adhere to a checklist of considerations that cater to athletes of the Islamic tradition.

In addition to Championship football club Millwall and top-flight club Aston Villa signing the framework in March and August 2023 respectively, county-level cricket clubs including Kent, Middlesex, and Warwickshire have also signed the pledge. [6] [7] [8]

Likewise, governing bodies such as the Football Association of Wales (FAW), the England Cricket Board (ECB), and more than 75 other professional clubs have agreed to work towards better conditions for Muslims in sport. [9]

Onwards and upwards

Following their joint announcement, Goals Wembley has been chosen as the first site to benefit from the addition of a prayer area, and no doubt there will be many more appearing in short order.

Key areas expected to be prioritised are Bradford, Leicester, and Hayes. [1]

The Operations Director at Goals, Adam Butterworth, said of the plans,

“It was very clear from the first communications with Ebs that Nujum Sports are committed to promoting equality and inclusion by building a strong community that encourages people to feel welcomed and fully accepted when participating in sport.

“Their goals align with our vision to make all of our venues more inclusive, welcoming, accessible and more engaging with the communities who surround and use our venues.

“This is the beginning of a national strategy that evidences our desire and determination to deliver experiences at our venues that reflect and complement our users and our communities.” [1]

Analysis

ANALYSIS

Zishan Khan

Managing Director

This excellent initiative between Nujum Sports and Goals is a significant milestone in the journey towards better inclusivity within the UK's sporting landscape.

By introducing prayer areas across all Goals Football facilities in England as well as Scotland, this partnership evidently acknowledges the diverse faiths of players and visitors and actively supports their spiritual needs.

Let us be clear, this development is about more than merely providing space for prayer; it's a demonstration of how sport can unite people across different backgrounds and beliefs.

It's commendable to see such measures being implemented right before Ramadan, highlighting the thoughtful consideration of the Muslim community's needs.

Furthermore, Nujum Sports' broader impact — including their work with prestigious clubs such as Manchester City FC, Warwickshire, Middlesex, and Kent county cricket clubs, and the creation of the Muslim Athlete Charter — really showcases an ongoing commitment to inclusivity that other organisations and governing bodies are only recently beginning to follow.

This initiative appears set to promise a more welcoming and respectful environment for all, and sets a high standard for sports facilities across the nation and abroad.