A football tournament is being organised to bring Lancaster’s Muslim community together and raise money for Gaza.
Following a successful first event in 2023, the tournament takes place at the weekend, on Sunday September 15, at Lancaster University, from 2pm on the 3G sports pitch.
Organiser Imtiaz Khoda, from the Lancaster Islamic Community Hub, said: ‘’This year’s tournament is being hosted in solidarity and support for those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
‘’This event aims to raise vital funds to provide assistance and relief to the victims of the Gaza war, helping to meet their immediate needs for food, water, medical supplies, and shelter.
“We believe that in times of crisis, our community must come together to support those in need, regardless of borders. This football tournament is not just about the games; it’s a rallying cry for compassion and hope, to help provide relief to those suffering.
‘’We encourage everyone to attend, bring friends and family, and show their support.”
‘’The initiative aims to build bridges between diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, understanding, and shared experiences.
“This year we have a wide range of teams and players from all backgrounds to enhance community engagement and interaction amongst the participants during the tournament and beyond.”
Like the previous year the tournament is fully subscribed, with six teams participating in the competition.
‘’Together, we can highlight the positive impact sports can have on community building and show solidarity to our fellow human beings in Gaza war.’’
All proceeds from donations will go directly to reputable organizations working on the ground in Gaza.
A fundraising page has been setup at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lancaster-for-palestine
Lancaster Islamic Community Hub is a community-based organization that is non-profit and registered as a charity organisation, committed to promoting the Islamic faith, unity, and community development.
Through various initiatives, they aim to foster a welcoming environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together and celebrate their shared interests as well as getting to know the Muslim community and their beliefs.