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Grassroots figureheads

Grassroots football is the heart and soul of the game. For the hundreds of thousands of participants, it is their opportunity to be involved in a sport they are truly passionate about.

In a new feature series, Kick It Out will speak to figureheads and representatives of the grassroots game as they offer their unique thoughts from the amateur and community level.


  • Craig Freeman – Friday Night – December 2017

    Kick It Out spoke to Craig Freeman, who runs the Friday Night project in Aylesbury, a grassroots initiative that helps marginalised young people in the local area.

    Read more here 

  • Shadab Iftikhar - Manager - July 2017

    Kick It Out spoke to Shadab Iftikhar, a manager who has experienced grassroots football as well as the sport in Mongolia. 

    Read the piece by clicking here

  • Patricio Sanchez - Brixistane FC - May 2017

    Kick It Out spoke to Patricio Sanchez, founder of Brixistane FC, a grassroots club for young people in Brixton, on why he formed the club and what more can be done to support clubs and academies at that level.

    In part one, Patricio spoke about the formation of Brixistane FC and the ethos behind the club.

    In part two, Patricio explains the importance of developing young people and the challenges of running a grassroots club.

  • David Annobil - Kekoa Coaching - April 2017

    In April, we spoke to David Annobil, founder of Kekoa Coaching about his experiences a grassroots coach.

    In part one, David spoke about the need for a supportive network around young players.

    In part two, David gave his thoughts on what the football authorities can do to improve grassroots football.

  • Paula Wyatt - Hampshire FA - March 2017

    The second edition saw Kick It Out speak to Paula Wyatt, Women’s and Girls Referee Coordinator at Hampshire FA.

    In part one, Paula discusses the work she is doing to encourage more women into refereeing.

    In part two, Paula explains the importance of role models for women officials.

  • Peter Augustine - County Coach Developer at The FA - January 2017

    The first month of 2017 saw Kick It Out speak to Peter Augustine, County Coach Developer at The FA. 

    In part one, Peter discusses his passion for coaching and the opportunities available for coaches in the sport.

    In part two, Peter reveals how Surrey FA are looking to bring football to the whole county, as well reflecting on discrimination in grassroots football and the importance of Kick It Out.

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
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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
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