How British sports clubs are embracing Muslim athletes during Ramadan

Professional athletes know that strength and endurance are critical to a successful career. If you are also a practising Muslim and fasting during the daylight hours of Ramadan, you will need extra psychological and physical stamina to get through the month.

Despite being one of the largest faith-based groups in the UK, the Muslim community has traditionally struggled for representation in British sports across national teams and lower leagues, but that is changing.

Some of the best players in the football Premier League are Muslim. Mo Salah, Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, to name a few on the pitch. British Muslim cricketers Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid are near the top of their field.

Rugby has become the latest to embrace the diversity of its teams after the Rugby Football League (RFL) became the first national governing body to sign the Muslim Athlete Charter, a set of principles on how to better support and encourage sportspeople who practise Islam.

It has been welcomed from grass roots to professional level. The manager of the Midlands Hurricanes rugby team told The National he was “very happy and surprised” with the RFL’s endorsement.

“It’s a really positive step forward for rugby and it gets people talking and being more open about their religion,” says Darren Ivor Morson.

A practising Muslim of more than 20 years, the former rugby player from Wales said inclusivity initiatives, such as the charter, helped break stereotypes around what it means to be a Muslim.

Developed with religious scholars, athletes and sports clubs, the charter’s manifesto includes 10 things that teams can do to create a more hospitable environment for Muslim players.

A big thank you to @NujumSports and @TheRFL for my Ramadan pack.