Grassroots Advisors

Kick It Out’s Grassroots Advisors initiatives will see people involved with clubs and community organisations at the amateur level, work closely with the organisation to help promote messages of equality and inclusion.

Increasing grassroots and community engagement with Kick It Out is a key focus of the role, as well as providing guidance on the reporting of discrimination throughout their respective local area.

In January 2017, Kick It Out appointed Imrul Gazi as the organisation’s first Grassroots Advisor for the London area.

Imrul Gazi – London

Imrul Gazi joined Kick It Out in an advisory role for the London area.

Imrul has extensive knowledge of grassroots football through several years of developing young players from the local Asian community in east London. More recently, he was appointed manager of Sporting Bengal United, who play in the Essex Senior League at step five of the National League System.

Imrul spoke of his delight at being able to help support the messages of equality.

“This is a massive opportunity as it has been a passion of mine to work in the football industry and for an organisation such as Kick It Out.

“I see Kick It Out as a platform where people from across all levels of the game can come to share experiences. It’s important that we share good and bad experiences from the community so we can learn from them.

“I want to focus on the good activity that is happening, particularly in the London area, so that we can highlight that equality and inclusion is a good thing for this sport and communities everywhere.”

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"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