A FOOTBALL club has opened a new multi-faith hub to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Bradford (Park Avenue) launched the facility at its ground through its Community Sports Foundation, in partnership with Regal Group PLC and ISSE Ltd.
The launch was attended by a diverse audience and featured speeches from community leaders.
Matt Everett, community director of the Bradford Park Avenue Community Sports Foundation, said: "Bradford (Park Avenue) is part of the community, and this hub adds another way for people to feel welcome and included when they come to the club.
"We are delighted to work with Regal Group and ISSE to make this space available and to keep building the club’s connection with local people."
The opening of the multi-faith hub at Bradford (Park Avenue) (Image: Supplied)
Younis Choudhry MBE, founder and CEO of Regal Group PLC, Humayun Islam BEM, founder of ISSE Ltd, and Adeeba Malik CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, also spoke at the event.
The hub is the latest in a series of multi-faith spaces supported by Regal Group, which previously funded similar facilities at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Bradford City FC, Bradford City Community Foundation, Bradford Hospital, and Leeds and Bradford Airport.
Adeeba Malik CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, said: "It was a pleasure to join this celebration and see the club, businesses and community organisations working together.
"Welcoming spaces help people feel a sense of belonging, and this new hub is a positive addition to Bradford Park Avenue and the wider community."
The opening ceremony included a ribbon-cutting by Ms Malik and Mr Choudhry, followed by networking, refreshments, and a celebration cake.
Pakistan Catering provided food for the event.
The collaboration combines the football club’s community outreach, Regal Group’s focus on supporting inclusive spaces, and ISSE Ltd’s expertise in engagement and inclusion.
Sport can create opportunities to build relationships and help address issues such as hate crime, mental health and wellbeing, isolation, suicide, drug and alcohol misuse, education and employment.
Bradford (Park Avenue) launched the facility at its ground through its Community Sports Foundation (Image: Supplied)
Mr Choudhry said: "We believe everyone should have a place where they feel comfortable and respected.
"Regal has supported multi-faith spaces in a range of sporting, community, and public settings, and we’re pleased to support Bradford Park Avenue as part of that continuing commitment."
He added: "A space like this sends a clear message that people from all backgrounds are welcome.
"Sport brings people together, and this hub can support understanding, connection, and conversations that might otherwise not happen."