Roxburgh Park Football Club, like a lot of sporting clubs, has weekly meals to bring the players and officials together.
But last Thursday night’s meal was more important than others for more than one reason.
A group of the club’s Muslims approached the club about taking over the cooking for the night as they often can’t eat the weekly meals because they aren’t certified Halal.
Moe El Sheikh is one of the players who put his hand up to take over the cooking for the night.
“The club has meals every week and as a group we thought we would give back to the club,” he said.
“We thought we could bring some revenue to the club to give them back something for what they give us, like trainers and facilities.
“We thought we had to give back to the club which has been good for us.”
The players’ reaction blew them and the club away … an average of 60 usually attend the weekly meals, but last Thursday’s had to be limited to 120.
“We knew they’d be happy but credit to president Jason Bolitho for opening up the rooms for us,” El Sheikh said.
“We were a bit overwhelmed by how much interest there was in it. We were hoping to get 80, so 120 meals was amazing
“It’s good the club gets together. It’s not just the seniors, but the junior mums and parents who are coming along too.”
El Sheikh said the Magpies was the most inclusive football club he had been involved in and hosting a meal was a good way to bring everyone together
“A barbecue brings out the multicultural in every one,” he said.
“If people can see we’re putting a good face to the Muslim name and Muslim culture, people will look at us differently and it will be better for everyone.”
El Sheikh said it was hoped to make the dinner an annual event.
“Hopefully we can get to 150 people,” he said.
