Community Iftar Brings People Together at Vale Park

Vale Park, home of Port Vale Football Club, opened its doors on Thursday 5th March 2026 to host a Community Iftar event organised by the Port Vale Foundation. The evening marked the fourth time the club has welcomed local communities to break the Ramadan fast together, transforming the stadium into a space for reflection, conversation and connection. 

Speaking at the event, Community and CSR Director at PVFC, Will Turner, explained that the idea for the Community Iftar grew out of outreach work with the local South Asian community. He noted that while a significant number of people living near Vale Park identify as Muslim, engagement had historically been limited. “We realised there was a big community on our doorstep that we weren’t really connecting with,” he said, adding that hosting Iftar at the stadium felt like a natural way to bring people together. “We’ve got the space, the facilities and the willingness – and the response has been fantastic.” 

For Will, the event is about more than football. He described the Iftar as “a family event” where people can observe their faith, share food and enjoy each other’s company. He also reflected on the wider impact, explaining that the relationships built through events like this have encouraged more people to engage with the club. “If we can connect with our community and help people feel welcome at Vale Park, that’s what really matters,” he said. 

Community and Cohesion Manager Gemma Finney highlighted how the Iftar reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to inclusion. “It’s about bringing people together and showing the diversity we have in our city,” she explained. Gemma pointed out that the event welcomed supporters, community partners and people from across Stoke-on-Trent, creating a shared space rooted in mutual respect. 

A key feature of the evening was that it was led by the community itself. The food was prepared and brought in by community members, something Gemma described as central to the event’s success. “It really is a partnership,” she said. “We ask the community what they want, and that’s what makes it meaningful.” 

For Ahmed, Vice-Chairman of Unity FC, the Iftar represented an opportunity to build understanding between different cultures and faiths. “What we wanted to do was build bridges,” he explained. He described the importance of people from different backgrounds coming together, learning about fasting and prayer, and challenging misconceptions. “This is what communities coming together actually looks like,” he said. 

Trustee Kam echoed those sentiments, praising the Foundation’s commitment to community engagement. He described events like the Iftar as vital for connecting football with the people it serves. “Port Vale doesn’t just have facilities – it has a real link with the community,” he said. “For us, this is amazing, and every year it just gets bigger and better.” 

As the evening closed, the Community Iftar stood as a clear example of how sport, faith and community can come together, not just to share a meal, but to strengthen understanding and belonging across the city.