In partnership with Muslimah Sports Association Trustee Kevin Coleman and special guests from the football community, we've provided an educational webinar series about Ramadan for leagues, referees, clubs and coaches.

In 2025, Ramadan is anticipated to commence on Saturday 1st March, concluding on Sunday 30th March, depending upon the sighting of the moon. This means that Eid will be between Saturday 29th March and Wednesday 2nd April, again depending on the sighting of the moon. Ramadan will be observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

As in many years, Ramadan falls within the football season in 2025. With a growing number of Muslim players at grassroots level, in the academy system and through to the professional game, understanding and embracing individual and cultural differences is key to achieving inclusion and playing opportunities For All.

Previously, we developed a webinar series looking to improve awareness of Ramadan across the county, as well as the understanding of various considerations which can improve the inclusion of, and support provided to, players, staff and participants. Anyone can re-watch the webinars on YouTube, and the discussions included:

* a background to Ramadan
* how Ramadan can affect leagues, clubs, teams and/or fixtures
* what can be done to support players through football roles

Coleman has worked in sports development, diversity and inclusion for over 20 years, including roles at the Lawn Tennis Association, Kick It Out, The Football Association, Brentford FC and the BBC. During that time, as well as working at grassroots level with clubs and communities, Kevin has written national strategies around Asian inclusion, Refugees and Asylum seekers and Faith & Football.

Essex County FA Equality & Inclusion Officer, Milly Morgan, said: “We hope to reduce the number of players who don’t feel able to participate in football during Ramadan due to fixture timings, the inability to break fast or other factors. We want to raise awareness amongst Essex football providers, and offer the chance to receive guidance on how to support individuals during fasts.”

You can check out the videos below, to hear a number of ways in which you can help to ensure participating in Ramadan isn’t a barrier to playing. You can also interact with us on social media.