Jason returns to former school to give pupils the Lowe-down as one of the 'Next 20'

Wednesday 21 Jan 2015
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Blackburn Rovers midfielder Jason Lowe returned to his former primary school on Tuesday (20 January) in Leigh, Lancashire, in his role as one of Kick It Out’s ‘Next 20’ ambassadors.

Jason went back to St Thomas Church of England Junior Primary School, to help deliver an anti-discrimination workshop alongside Paul Mortimer, Kick It Out’s Professional Players Engagement Manager.

Paul led the workshop, which focused on what discrimination is and how to combat it, to 35 Year four pupils before handing the class over to Jason as the former England-Under 21s international answered questions from the students.

Jason was asked a number of challenging questions on discrimination and his career within football. This was Jason’s second ‘Next 20’ event for Kick It Out after visiting Sacred Heart in March 2014, and the Leigh-raised star was delighted to come home on ambassadorial duty.

“I like speaking to the kids, it’s something new for me but I really enjoy it,” he said. “I said before the session began that I’m more nervous going in front of a classroom of kids than running in front of thousands of people to play for Blackburn.

“It’s good to come down to my old school today to educate the kids in my role as a ‘Next 20’ ambassador, try and get the right messages into them from a young age and put something in their minds to think about when it comes to tackling discrimination.

“I have enjoyed today’s session for the ‘Next 20’. It’s great coming back to my old school and my cousins were actually in the session! It’s important to educate the kids here about all walks of life and how you treat people in sport and outside of sport.

“My job is to play football but I understand that I’ve got a responsibility outside of that to try and put myself forward as an example for others. I put my name forward for the ‘Next 20’ and I’m more than happy to be involved in something that affects people and the way they perceive the world and hopefully these kids will go away from today with something to think about.”

Paul spoke after the session about the importance of educating the younger generation and how Jason is truly embracing his role as a ‘Next 20’ ambassador. “It really is rewarding when you deliver a session like the one held here at St Thomas with the help of Jason,” said the former Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa midfielder.

“Footballers have this stereotype labelled of them that they are unintelligent and unwilling to give back to the local communities that they were brought up in, but that is simply not the case for the majority of players and certainly not true in Jason’s case.

“He really understands the importance of his role as a ‘Next 20’ ambassador and why it is necessary that we spread the messages of equality and inclusion to children from a young age. Jason is an articulate and intelligent young man and is a perfect ambassador for Kick It Out.”

To find out more about the ‘Next 20’ initiative – click 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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