Four clubs to host Season of Action games
Four clubs in the top three divisions of English football will dedicate fixtures to Kick It Out’s Season of Action this weekend, honouring the campaign’s 20th year in fighting for equality and inclusion for all in football.
West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Derby County and Notts County are all recognising Kick It Out as they hold Season of Action games towards the important climax of the season.
At the Hawthorns, West Brom entertain Tottenham Hotspur. Troy Townsend, Kick It Out’s Mentoring and Leadership Project Manager, will be in attendance representing the campaign as the Baggies aim to keep hold of their top-flight status.
In the North East, Sunderland host Everton at the Stadium of Light. Both teams are in need of points for conflicting reasons with the Black Cats needing points to avoid the drop, whilst Everton look to chase fourth and the final place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
High-flying Derby County welcome Huddersfield Town in the Championship at iPro Stadium. Dean Watson, Kick It Out’s Grassroots Development Officer, will be representing the campaign at the match with ‘Next 20’ ambassador Andre Wisdom expected to feature for the Rams.
Derby’s players will be donning Kick It Out t-shirts prior to the match whilst staff members will also display the Kick It Out logo by wearing badges and stickers. Richard Keogh, Derby County captain, spoke ahead of the game about the campaign.
“Kick It Out’s efforts shines a light on some of the positive work that ‘football people’ are doing to help make our game accessible to all and we’re delighted to show our support,” Keogh said.
“Collectively, we continue to make strides in the fight for equality across the game. Clubs, however, have a unique power to act as the catalyst for this progress and we hope we can make a difference here at Derby County.”
Finally in League One, Notts County face Port Vale at Meadow Lane. The Magpies are on the hunt for points as they look to fight relegation from the third tier. Port Vale hosted their Season of Action game last weekend against Walsall, with the Valiants winning the match 1-0.