‘Fans for Diversity’ to support Family Fun Day at Heybridge Swifts

Thursday 9 Jul 2015
Back to news >

Ryman Division One North club Heybridge Swifts will be hosting a unique pre-season friendly against Colchester United on Saturday 11 July with help from the ‘Fans for Diversity’ Fund.

Essex-based Swifts are holding a family day at the Texo Scraley Road Stadium ahead of the clash against League One Colchester. This will include fire-eaters, stilt-walkers and activities for children including face-painting and hair-braiding. There will also be a race between the mascots of both clubs, Heybridge’s “Streetly” and Colchester’s “Eddie”, and youth players from the two teams will accompany the first-team players onto the pitch.

The day has been supported by the ‘Fans for Diversity’ fund. The fund is part of the campaign jointly run by Kick It Out and the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF), which aims to encourage and help with the facilitation of fan-led activity. The fund has helped Heybridge produce special t-shirts, balloons, flags, vinyl banners and pitchside boards, which will be used throughout the season, to show their support to diversifying matchday crowds.

Craig Riches, Chairman of Heybridge, said: “The fixture on Saturday against Colchester United is one the whole club has been working extremely hard towards for some time. It will be the first opportunity to showcase our exciting new commitment to the ‘Fans For Diversity’ campaign and the vibrancy which now runs through all levels here at Heybridge Swifts. We look forward to a great day out for all involved.”

Anwar Uddin, lead on the ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign, said: “The ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign is delighted to be supporting Heybridge Swifts in what is an important fixture for the club and it promises to be an entertaining day for all that attend. “Heybridge are keen to ensure the Texo Scraley Road Stadium is a welcoming place for everyone regardless of background as they aim to promote a fully inclusive environment for everybody to enjoy their football.

“It is also great to be supporting Cliff Akurang, one of several managers from black and minority ethnic backgrounds plying their trade at the semi-professional level, who has done a fantastic job at Heybridge since taking charge last December. Cliff is a good friend of mine – we played together during our professional careers and I worked with him at Maldon and Tiptree last season. It is fantastic to see him given the opportunity to create something special at Heybridge.”

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

Archives

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