Four clubs to host Season of Action games

Friday 11 Apr 2014
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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.

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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
“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

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