On Tuesday afternoon, our Academy hosted its third consecutive special gathering in recognition of Ramadan, fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and togetherness. To mark the occasion, we created a welcoming space for our Muslim Academy players and their families to connect, while celebrating the diversity within our Academy.

We proudly support 16 Muslim players across all age groups, and this event provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen those connections. The afternoon was filled with thoughtful discussions and moments of unity.

We were also pleased to welcome the Chelsea Muslim Supporters Group as our guests. They played an active role in the event, engaging in conversations and generously bringing gifts for our Academy players and their families.

The event, organised by our Player Care team and led by Yassin McLynn, played a key role in bringing the gathering to life. Discussions continued over shared meals, while players and their siblings participated in activities designed to bring families closer together before Maghrib Salah, the sunset prayer.

Riz Rehman from the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) also attended, highlighting the importance of Muslim representation in football and exploring ways to support players during Ramadan.

Additionally, Sheikh Wasim Kempson, a Faith Advisor, contributed to meaningful discussions where experiences were shared, offering deeper insight into the dedication and challenges faced by fasting players.

Academy Player Care Coordinator Yassin McLynn, who helped organise the event, reflected on its success and emphasised the importance of ensuring that every player and their family feels accepted, valued and supported:

'We wanted to highlight the importance of educating those unfamiliar with Ramadan, helping them understand the experience of Muslim players - whether that means recognising why they might turn down food during training or simply being mindful of the challenges they face.

'The most important aspect of the event was creating a sense of togetherness. It was an opportunity to celebrate our players' faith, bring families closer, and reinforce the values of inclusion and community within the club.

'This event was a testament to the Academy’s commitment to supporting its players, fostering understandin and embracing the rich diversity that strengthens our club.'