Bradford Bulls have become the latest professional Rugby League club to sign the Muslim Athlete Charter, demonstrating the club’s commitment to inclusion in the city.
Signing the charter is part of the club’s wider work around equality and diversity, and an important step in understanding, growing and adopting good practice. It marks the beginning of a partnership with Nujum Sports, the driving force behind the charter, which will help the club strengthen its voice and zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
Bulls Chief Executive, Jason Hirst, said: “The club has worked with and celebrated communities of all faiths for many years – marking celebrations and festivals throughout the year such as Christmas, Eid, Diwali and Easter amongst others.
“Our partnership with Sports Chaplaincy UK has seen us provide a Club Chaplain for over twenty years supporting players, staff, volunteers and supporters of all faiths and none. Signing this charter continues our proud history of representing the diversity of this great city.”
Club Chaplain Chris Mason adds: “This is an important step in our continuing development as a club. As club chaplain, it’s important to me and to those of faith in Bradford and the wider region, that we recognise the diversity and beauty of faith in our city. In signing this charter, we hope to develop our welcome, support and encouragement to those of faith as they engage in the community of Rugby League at every level.
“We are excited to begin a partnership to support and engage Muslim players and communities across our city. Our hope is that men, women, and children of all faiths will benefit from the club’s developing diversity and inclusion agenda as we move forward with this charter.”
Nujum Sports CEO and Founder, Ebadur Rahman said: “Having signed the pledge, Bradford Bulls is joining a positive movement of solidarity, equality and recognition of the contribution Muslims make.
“Nujum is here to support professional clubs and their players and contribute positively to their equality and diversity agenda. We are here to help them aspire to be even more inclusive and build on the passion and love we have for our respective clubs, players and fans.”
Already signatories to the Muslim Athlete Charter are the RFL, London Broncos, Midlands Hurricanes, Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves. To learn more about Nujum Sports and the charter, visit nujumsports.co.uk.
