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EQUITY |
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Harmony at
Fairbank
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For the players of Fairbank Football Club, the last Month has
been a test, not only of their football skills but, of their
spiritual and mental strength.
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The Club has many players who are followers of the Muslim faith and,
for Muslims, the period from September 13 to October 13 has been a
time of fasting.
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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar when Muslims
all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs
during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus
attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more
than just not eating and drinking. |
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| Faribank
Chairman Shazad Bazir (left) is pictured with club
sponsor Mohammed Shier of Shiers Solicitors. |
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| In the world of football, Ramadan is
recognised by the F.A as a legitimate reason for teams to postpone
games and many Junior teams prefer not to put their youngsters through
the rigours of a football game when they are unable to even take
a drink. |
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Some teams, on the other hand, prefer to continue playing and see it
as another way of disciplining body and soul. |
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One club that has managed to continue playing football throughout
Ramadan is Fairbank FC. The Bradford club, who play in the
Huddersfield RCD Junior League, have arranged for games to kick-off
at 4.00pm in order that the players only have a minimum time to
wait before they can eat and drink.
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But, in order to do this, they needed their opponents to agree to the
late kick-off times.
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Four teams, Netherton, Heckmondwike, Upperthong and Westend were asked
to accommodate the late kick-off times and all agreed.
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Fairbank Club Secretary, Akif Waseem explains
"The players want to play but we have to make sure that they
don't suffer any ill effects from their exertions, so we are very
grateful to the clubs who have helped us."
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"Their patience and willingness to be
flexible is greatly appreciated"
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County Football Development Chief, Dean Grice was impressed by the
clubs efforts.
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"This is exactly the kind of unity and
understanding the FA are looking for from clubs and it shows that,
with a little patience and understanding teams from different
backgrounds can work together"
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Huddersfield RCD Junior League Secretary, Eric Kershaw, said.
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"I'm delighted our teams are able to talk
to each other to solve problems."
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"It shows we have a unity in the League where people want to help
each other regardless of their background or religious beliefs"
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