Hugh Robertson backs One Game, One Community weeks of action

Friday 21 Oct 2011
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Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics, has pledged his support to Kick It Out as another bumper period of One Game, One Community weeks of action activity kicks off this weekend.

“Through initiatives like One Game, One Community, Kick It Out is making great strides to get the message across to all those involved in our national game that any kind of discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated,” he said.

Hugh gave his backing as fixtures across the country will be dedicated to the weeks of action. High-flying Newcastle United take on Wigan Athletic at St James’ Park, with brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi sharing the honour of club ambassador duties, while the Latics have nominated their whole team as campaign torch-bearers.

Liverpool face Norwich City with Reds ambassador Martin Kelly hoping to catch the eye of England manager Fabio Capello ahead of next month’s international friendlies with Sweden and Spain.

On Sunday, a pre-match balloon release at Loftus Road will mark Queens Park Rangers’ contribution to the weeks of action before they face off with west London rivals Chelsea.

At grass roots level, the Black and Asian Coaches Association (BACA) host another coaching development session, with former Charlton Athletic star Michael Bennett in attendance, at Hackney Marshes on Saturday morning.

On Tuesday, prior to their One Game, One Community weeks of action fixture against Charlton Athletic at Adams Park, Wycombe Wanderers will become the first club to sign the Government ‘Charter for Action’, which looks to address the issue of homophobia and transphobia in sport. It is a significant move for the Football League, and acts as a pivotal moment in the weeks of action.

On Wednesday, football’s annual Black List award ceremony will take place in Canary Wharf, highlighting the contribution made by some of the key individuals from the black community to the game.

And grass roots teams are being urged by Kick It Out’s weeks of action ambassadors such as Tom Huddlestone and Adlene Guedioura, to take part in the Kick It Out Cup, in conjunction with Lucozade Powerleague and Club Website. The nationwide competition, which will see amateur sides being coached by Dream Managers such as Paul Davis and Earl Barrett, is free to enter and more details can be found here.

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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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