Menu

Preston North End opens multi-faith prayer room for fans

Posted on - 24th October, 2021 - 7:00am | Author - | Posted in - Deepdale, People, Preston News, Preston North End, Proud Preston, Sport
Mayor of Preston Javed Iqbal and Mo Patel. Pic: Ian Robinson

Preston North End has opened a multi-faith prayer room to allow supporters to pray on home match days.

Advertisement

The prayer room, opened by PNE Community and Education Trust, is situated between blocks E and F on the Invincibles Pavilion and was unveiled ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Derby County.

Advertisements
Preston Weekender advert

The Mayor of Preston, Javed Iqbal, was present for the unveiling as part of the club’s Kick It Out matchday activities to promote equality for fans, players and staff.

Read more: Runners invited to Fylde’s annual Wesham 10k road race this November

Supporters in attendance on a home matchday, whose ticket is not for the Invincibles Pavilion, will access the prayer room by contacting their nearest steward. They will escort supporters to the prayer room every 15 minutes.

Advertisements

The prayer room will be open from 90 minutes before kick-off, when the concourses open, until full-time, allowing those who need to pray at certain times of the day to leave their seat during the game if necessary.

Mo Patel, a practising Muslim supporter who volunteered on PNECET’s Ramadan initiative earlier in the year, and has since progressed to the role of casual Community Engagement Coordinator with the Trust, praised the initiative.

Read more: UCLan lecturer set new world record at the Powerlifting World Championships in Sweden

Mo said: “Some supporters may have had to make a decision between choosing to pray and attending a match during certain parts of the season. This is due to the different times that their religion determines they need to pray.

“We believe that supporters of all faiths should not have to make that decision. We want to continue to break down all barriers that may prevent our existing fans from attending matches at Deepdale while also encouraging members of our local community to show their support for PNE.

Advertisements
barton manor gym

“The opening of the prayer room is another step in our continued work with ethnically diverse members of our community. We will continue to strive to make positive changes to make Deepdale the most welcoming and inclusive place it possibly can be for all fans.”

Read more: Mindsmatter and First Step to signpost their services at Preston parkrun

Mayor of Preston, Javed Iqbal, added: “It’s an absolute pleasure and delight to open this multi-faith prayer room.

“I hope people will use it and that it will help to bring more and more people to North End.”

As part of the Kick It Out matchday on Saturday, the club welcomed Preston United Youth Development programme participants and their parents to watch the game against Derby County and participate in a half-time penalty shoot-out.

Read more: Tributes paid to Preston North End owner Trevor Hemmings

Speaking about attending the game, a member of the parents’ group said: “It was an exhilarating experience. I really enjoyed it.

“I was really apprehensive at first, but honestly, I had a brilliant time. I was conscious about my headscarf, but it wasn’t noticed, and I’m definitely coming again.”

For more information about the prayer room, email community@pne.com

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Advertisements
caritas fostering advert


Read moreSee the latest Preston news and headlines

Will you be using the prayer room? Let us know in the comments below

Share
Advertisements
caritas fostering advert
Preston in pictures Preston Bus 207 PO56 JDX (Scania N94UB / East Lancs Esteem)24.03.24 - Penwortham [Church of St Mary] 240323JPGDSC_7658 - Bus stationDSC_7676 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7681 - former Post Office, cenotaph and Town HallDSC_7682 - Central Methodist church, Lune StreetDSC_7668 - Fish (aka Box) MarketDSC_7672 - Miller Arcade View more Advertisement Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

    Advertisements
Advertisement Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails