BURTON – A local charity in Burton city, East Staffordshire, England announced on May 1 the launch of its first Ramadan football league, to extend bridges with all groups in the community and add fun to the day of their fasting Muslim neighbors.

“We’re pleased that through the Premier League charitable fund grant we were recently awarded,” John Widdowson, the health and inclusion manager at Burton Albion Community Trust, told Burton Mail.

“We can provide an important opportunity to the local community.”

The charity, the Brewers’ charitable arm, suggested the idea to help fasting Muslims take part in a competitive activity while also burn calories before the sunset meal ‘iftar’.

“This will be our very first Ramadan league and we’re really excited for it to start. The project is a great example of how we can reach out to all aspects of our community,” Widdowson explained.

Matches will take place on Tuesday and Sunday in Ramadan evenings (7-9pm) between May 15 and June 12 at Anglesey Community Football Centre.

Participation is free and open to anyone aged 18 and over.

“Eight teams will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Games will last for 30 minutes, without a half-time interval,” Widdowson informed.

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar. It is expected to start this year on Wednesday, May 16.

Islamic Shari’ah views fasting as a way of cleansing the soul, and to also encourage self-control. On top of food and drink, abstinence also includes smoking, sex, swearing, gossip and other sinful acts.

Some cases of Muslims like being ill, traveling, elderly, child, pregnant, breastfeeding, women on their period are all exempted from fasting.