Girlington side Fairbank United has just finished running its annual Ramadan Midnight League, sponsored by BD8 business Steelis Workwear.

It took place across three Saturday nights in Ramadan and, at a time when most of Bradford was tucked up in bed, six teams battled it out to become this year's league champions.

Hamza Shazad, one of the tournament’s organisers, said: “We purposely chose midnight as a time for the game to be played, as it allows all the players and supporters to not only finish their fast but also be able to pray the Thravee prayer, which can last up to an hour in the evening.

“After that, everyone is then energized and ready to play”

Yaser Mohammed, a fellow key member of the organising committee, described the competition's origins.

He said: “Someone from the West Riding County FA suggested the idea, but many at the club thought it was a ludicrous concept initially.

“But the more we discussed it, the more we realized how popular the idea was among the club members.

“During Ramadan, many Muslims also give to charity, so we also added that dimension, and it’s gone from strength to strength.”

The tournament, backed by the West Riding County FA, consisted of players from past and present, in mixed teams that competed in firstly a league format, before progressing to the knockout stages.

The first semi-final saw Gamefight book their place in the showpiece, while VisionCare came through their last-four encounter with a win on penalties.

Cha Cha Chai secured the Conference Trophy, a play-off between the bottom two teams, as they beat the Bata All-Stars.

The final, which took place at 1:30am, saw Visioncare secure the title, with their striker Usman Hussain securing the top goal scorer trophy.

Last year’s winning captain Kashif Khan said: “I was at the club as a 10-year-old, and don’t really play the game anymore, but I love how the tournament brings us all together.

“The trophy has got away from us this year, but we’ll be back next year to reclaim it.”

The tournament managed to raise £7,702 for charity, with Fairbank United this year working with Green Cresent Aid UK, who deliver food packages for those caught up in the war in Gaza.

The first two weeks of the competition were played out at the Speedball Centre, but that closed two days before the finals were due to be played.

Thankfully, the 5 Alive five-a-side centre in Fairweather Green opened up specially so the event could be successfully concluded

Winning manager and club captain Bilal Saleem said: “The competition is really a side issue for our true intentions, which was to raise as much money for those in need.

“Our heart goes out to the innocent people caught up in the war and we hope the money raised will benefit the families and help alleviate some of the suffering. 

“On behalf of the club, I'd like to thank the sponsors, referees and everyone who donated to this worthwhile cause.”