Fans For Diversity campaign set to host fans forum at Crystal Palace

Wednesday 14 Mar 2018
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The Fans For Diversity campaign is set to join together with Crystal Palace to host a unique event which will see a panel of experts discuss the current issues and challenges surrounding discrimination, equality and inclusion within football.

The event will be hosted by former professional player and Kick It Out’s Professional Players Engagement Manager, Paul Mortimer. The esteemed panel includes Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney, comedian and Palace for Life Foundation trustee Kevin Day, Steph Fuller from Proud & Palace, Anwar Uddin who is the lead on the Fans For Diversity campaign and Mark Osikoya, who has a role in Global Partnerships with the NBA.

Anwar Uddin, who is sitting on the panel while also representing Kick It Out and the Football Supporters’ Federation, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event.

“It’s important for modern day football clubs to engage with their whole community.

“I think it’s brilliant that Crystal Palace are taking proactive measures and hosting an evening which will allow us to look at how the club can continue to become more inclusive.

“I’m proud that Fans For Diversity can play a role in opening up the conversation around diversity and inclusion at a major Premier League club, and look forward to working with Palace closely in the future.”

The event will be held at Selhurst Park on Thursday 22nd March and is free to attend, and gives people the opportunity to hear from those within football about diversity matters, and discuss what more can be done to engage further with our richly diverse community.

The event is open to all football enthusiasts and local residents who wish to discuss how the sport can further develop inclusive practices which support equality for all.

The event will be held in partnership with London South East Colleges who run a Foundation Football Academy with the club.

Their Director of Communications, Duncan Adams, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this event. London South East Colleges has a diverse student and staff base and strong links with the communities in which it operates. We’re passionate about supporting initiatives that help to build inclusive communities – and deepen our knowledge of equality and diversity issues.”

Doors open at 6.00pm with the debate starting at 6.30pm and ending at 8.30pm. Ticket availability will be limited and must be booked in advance.

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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
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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
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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
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Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
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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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