Ipswich Town: Skipper Sam Morsy on Ramadan and his faith

As the captain of Ipswich Town, driving his team towards the top two as the business end of the season approaches, Sam Morsy is a man under pressure.

He's spoken often this season about the importance of 'the process' - sticking to the daily tasks which will lead to success, rather than just focusing on the end goal of promotion.

Rest, nutrition, work ethic - all are staples in Morsy's approach.

Sam Morsy says his faith keeps him grounded (Image: Ross Halls)

But the biggest pillar in the inspirational captain's life is faith. It keeps him grounded and mindful of what is truly important.

He explained: "First and foremost, it is a moral accomplishment for how you want to act and how you want to behave.

"Football can be a high-level stress environment which brings its own pressures, such as to play and perform well.

"My faith gives me balance. I see a lot of times, especially with young players where you end up over consuming yourself and fear pops in.

"Faith gives you a way out of that in terms of seeing the bigger picture.

"Yes, football is important but in the grand scale of things, there are a lot more important things and having faith keeps you measured, down to earth, and your feet on the ground."

Morsy has praised Town's medical team for their support during Ramadan (Image: Ross Halls)

As a professional athlete, that faith brings challenges. Over the holy month of Ramadan - which runs until April 21 this year - Muslims observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset.

In an era where nutrition and hydration is vital, and diets tailored to ensure players are at their best in training and games, not eating and drinking during the day is a big step.

But Morsy says the medical team at Town 'go far and beyond' to support him.

"I’ve been lucky enough that my last few managers have been very accepting. We have a really good support team at Ipswich," he said.

"Last year, the medical team were very forthcoming and wanting to see how they could help me and would go far and beyond to support.

"I’ve worked with different nutritionists over the years who have a really good understanding of what your body needs during the month.

"Sometimes you have the best intentions, but we are all human and may not be able to keep some fasts for whatever reason. That is ok, but just make sure you make up the missed fasts."

He added: "Obviously, it comes with its challenges no doubt, but we’ve seen that players continue to perform at the highest level.

"It’s about being strict, being disciplined with what you eat during the hours you can eat. It comes down to preparation.

"If you prepare for it and you're methodical in your preparation, you take time beforehand and stick to the plan, you will be fine."

Asked what he'd say to non-Muslim fans about Ramadan and fasting to help them understand it, Morsy replied: "Fasting has become a lot more popular and people are actually seeing the benefits of fasting, not just the physical but the mental clarity and putting things into perspective.

"When you're fasting, your anger, your ego, all goes out the window as you are in submission.

"I encourage people to try really, and you will see for a lot of Muslims it’s the most peaceful month of the year.

"Ramadan is beautiful, it is challenging but it’s not there to overexert you and it something that you can do.

"Sometimes people look at it as a massive hurdle to do it, but if your intentions are clear, you can do it."

Town skipper Sam Morsy says preparation is key for athletes during Ramadan (Image: Ross Halls)

And, while Morsy and the Blues are striving for perfection on the pitch as the race for the top two intensifies, he said Ramadan helps him improve off the pitch as well.

"Trying to be a better person and trying to improve in all areas," he replied, when asked what his aims are for this Ramadan.

"It’s a big month for reflection when you are fasting.

"When the stomach is empty, emotions can get high, and things can pop up sometimes out of your control.

"I make intentions at the start of Ramadan to be the best person I can throughout the month."