Regal Foods Host Special Iftar Event in Partnership with Bradford City AFC

On Thursday 20 April, Regal Foods joined forces with Bradford City AFC to host a special Iftar event held at the University of Bradford Stadium.

Over 130 guests from all faiths and communities gathered in the McCall Suite to attend Iftar – a daily event that occurs throughout the holy month of Ramadan, where people come together to break their fast and participate in prayer.

Speakers included Regal Foods CEO Younis Chaudhry, who spoke about his own journey of faith and experiences as a practicing Muslim. Younis addressed the importance of the strong partnership between Regal and BCAFC and the new Regal sponsored multi-faith Prayer Room that was officially opened back in February this year.

Other guest speakers included The Bantams CEO Ryan Sparks, composer and song writer Ismail Hussain, and players from the youth team who shared their experiences of fasting throughout Ramadan.

With welcomes over, guests were invited to the Board Room to prayer, led by Nasheed Artist Ismail Hussain, which was followed by a buffet and networking.

Regal Food’s CEO Younis Chaudhry said: “We are delighted to have partnered up with Bradford City to host our first Iftar event.”

“There comes a time in life when you want to start giving back to others, and our partnership with Bradford City allows us to do this, whether this is through community initiatives or supporting charities – it’s my biggest pleasure especially during the month of Ramadan.”

Bradford City’s CEO Ryan Sparks said “It was great to welcome so many people from across the district to the University of Bradford Stadium last night, for our second Iftar event in the past year. 

“To see upwards of 130 guests enjoying a meal together, networking and listening to some of the fantastic figures we had speaking and performing was very pleasing. 

“We are immensely proud of Bradford’s diverse culture, and this is something we embrace every day in our efforts to make our club an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.

“I would like to thank our friends at Regal Foods for sharing our vision, and for their hard work in making last night a success. I hope everyone celebrating can enjoy a happy and peaceful Eid al-Fitr.”

Regal Foods CEO Younis Chaudhry with Iftar Guests
Nasheed Artist Ismail Hussain

Regal Open Multi-Faith Prayer Room in Partnership with Bradford City AFC

Regal Food Products Group Plc has opened a new multi-faith prayer room at Valley Parade in partnership with Bradford City AFC.

Special guests were invited to join staff from Regal Foods and Bradford City AFC on Thursday 23 February for the official opening of a new multi-faith prayer room.

The new multi-faith prayer room has been designed with the aim of creating a quiet space for prayer and reflection for the staff of BCAFC and for those attending match days. A state-of-the-art wash facility has been installed, along with new flooring and furnishings, including footwear storage, seating, and decorative wall panelling.

Faz Ali, Group Sales Marketing Director of Regal Foods comments “As a Bradford business we are committed to making a difference in our community, and with thanks to the team at Bradford City AFC, we hope to have created an inclusive space that will not only provide a room for reflection and prayer for those attending on match days, but encourage those in the community with an interest in football to attend.”

“Our partnership and community work with BCAFC continues to grow and we look forward to sharing more developments and partnership news within the coming months.”

Davide Longo, Chief Commercial Officer of Bradford City AFC comments: “We are proud to have opened this impressive new facility at the University of Bradford Stadium, and would like to thank our friends at Regal Foods for their fantastic contribution. 

“Inclusion and diversity are key values we uphold as a club, and it remains a constant focus of ours to continue making Bradford City AFC as accessible as possible, in every way. 

“This room will be open to anyone who wishes to use it on matchdays, and represents a quiet space at Valley Parade in which everyone it welcomes can feel safe and at home. 

“Utilising club partnerships to influence positive change across the district makes us very proud, and we are looking forward to seeing many of you enjoy using our new multi-faith prayer room on matchdays.”