Equality Inspiring Liverpool’s next generation

Friday 19 May 2017
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Liverpool FC were presented with a trophy on Monday (15 May) in recognition for their continuing excellence as part of the Equality Inspires Academy programme, run by Kick It Out and the Premier League.

On behalf of Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, Troy Townsend (Education Manager) and Marcus Gayle (Equality Inspires tutor), visited the club to recognise their commitment to equality and diversity training and to deliver the final sessions of the season.

Equality Inspires is in its second full season and sees Kick It Out working alongside the Premier League and its clubs. Workshops aim to raise awareness on current issues including discrimination, underrepresentation and stereotypes within the game.

Workshops are delivered by Kick It Out and consist of discussing topics such as racism, homophobia, sexism, faith, disability, music, social media and the impact of acceptable/unacceptable banter in a changing room environment.

All workshops are interactive and are led by the participants’ engagement. There are also specifically tailored workshops for club staff and parents and guardians, focusing on the support and advice they give to their young son on their journeys, as well as the impact of negative behaviour and the effect it can have on performance.

Speaking about Liverpool’s work this season, Troy Townsend said: “Liverpool have been outstanding to work with, right from the start.

“They’ve been proactive in arranging workshops and have gone above and beyond – they want to aid the development of their young players off the pitch as well as on it.

“The workshops themselves have continued to produce lively debate and through the feedback received the players feel that they are very beneficial toward their future careers. By educating players at a young age we believe they’ll have a greater appreciation and understanding of diversity and inclusion.”

On receiving the award, Liverpool’s Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe said: “Kick It Out have really challenged our thinking with the workshops that they have hosted throughout the season and it is a real privilege for the Club to work alongside them on such a regular basis.

“It is a great honour for Kick It Out to present Liverpool Football Club with this award and I am looking forward to continuing our fantastic partnership with Kick It Out for years to come.”

The Reds have also recently achieved the Advanced Level of the Premier League’s Equality Standard, which provides a framework to guide professional clubs towards achieving equality.

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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
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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
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“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
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"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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