Grassroots

Everyone can help make the game become a more welcoming and comfortable environment by reporting incidents of discrimination via the Kick It Out app.

The app, released in July 2013, is a handy and easy way to report incidents of abuse they see, hear or are on the receiving end of via its unique reporting function. By reporting abuse, whether it is racism, homophobia, sexism, faith or disability abuse, you are helping to tackle discrimination in football at all levels.

The app, tested and endorsed by all Premier League and English Football League clubs, is FREE and available to iPhone and Android users. You can download the app via the Apple Store and Google Play.

When Kick It Out receives a report of discriminatory behaviour which has taken place at grassroots level, a clear process is undertaken to proceed forward with the complaint.

Stage 1

Your complaint is received and details recorded on an incident form. Kick It Out talks you through the process, timelines and the outcomes that you can realistically expect.

Stage 2

A copy of your report will be sent to The FA, who will refer your complaint to the relevant body for investigation. If your complaint to Kick It Out includes an appeal against a County FA decision, you should observe the deadlines for appeal set out by The FA/County FA. A copy of this report will also be sent to The FA for monitoring purposes.

Stage 3

The complaint will be sent on by The FA to the relevant County FA for investigation/response. If the County FA does not respond, Kick It Out will send a reminder for you.

Stage 4

The FA or County FA will keep you updated of any developments being made. Where appropriate, charges will be raised upon completion of a thorough investigation.

Stage 5

If you are unsatisfied with the way the complaint has been dealt with, Kick It Out will assist you to refer your complaint to the Independent Football Ombudsman.

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