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Introducing Fans For Diversity

Anwar UddinFootball supporters act as the cornerstone for the professional and non-league game in England. Fans of all clubs, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation or any other identifying feature, should feel safe and welcome attending matches.

Kick It Out and the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) jointly launched the ‘Fans For Diversity’ campaign in March 2014, supported by the Premier League’s fans fund, to help target a number of fan initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion across the professional and non-league game.

Anwar Uddin was appointed as the FSF’s Diversity and Campaigns Manager in March 2014. Here, he gives an overview as to the delivery of the ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign, and how Kick It Out and the FSF are looking to further engage with supporters across all levels of the game nationwide.

“I grew up in East London and supported West Ham United FC, visiting Upton Park since I was eight-years old. I was fortunate enough to play for the club over a six-year period as we won the FA Youth Cup in 1999. I went on to proudly represent a number of clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol Rovers, Dagenham & Redbridge, Hereford, Barnet and Eastbourne Borough.Dagenham-Edited

“When I was at Dagenham & Redbridge, I became the first British Asian to captain a side in the top four divisions of English football. After my playing career drew to a close, I began working for Show Racism the Red Card delivering anti-racism education to young people across the country. I also provided equality and diversity training to current senior players for the Professional Footballers’ Association and to Scholars with Kick It Out.

“For me, one of the great things about football is that it brings people together, thousands of people embracing the game and the team they love everywhere. We follow football in a country where everyone is different and we want to ensure that there are no barriers to anyone supporting their team. Fans are the heart and soul of our game and the biggest thing I miss about playing is the atmosphere that we as supporters bring to the stadium on a match-day.

“As Diversity and Campaigns Manager, I work on all forms of diversity from a supporters’ perspective. ‘Fans For Diversity’ is about bringing together fans to highlight diversity and to create an environment where fans feel safe and comfortable in supporting their team.

“It’s vital everybody across football is aware of all the different types of discrimination and the effects they can have. We work closely with all fans and relevant organisations to help challenge these issues as we aim to make football as inclusive as possible.

Sitting-in-stand-Edited

“The FSF’s 500,000 individual members and affiliated groups support a proactive stance on these issues, ensuring the FSF is both accessible to all groups and representative of football’s wide fan-base.”

We empower fans, helping them to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the game. We encourage and support events and activities that highlight fans working together to promote diversity. We’d love to hear from anyone who would like to support the work of Kick It Out and the FSF.

Contact Anwar Uddin – anwar.uddin@fsf.org.uk

To find out more information on all things FSF – www.fsf.org.uk or follow them on Twitter @The_FSF

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman
  • Introducing Fans For Diversity
    • Fans for Diversity Fund
      • Fans For Diversity Initiatives
        • 2017
        • 2016
        • 2015
        • 2014
      • Fans For Diversity Journalists
        • Why I Support
          • Fans For Diversity Films
            • Fans For Diversity Annual Report
              • Terms and Conditions
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              • Cookie Policy
              • Equality Policy
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