Kick It Out and Premier League Academies unite to celebrate #EqualityInspires
Kick It Out, in partnership with the Premier League, hosted the second Academy Awareness Weekend from 21-23 October, raising awareness of the #EqualityInspires education programme that is delivered into top-flight Academies.
Over the course of the weekend, more than 60 games were played in Premier League Academies across the country in recognition of the importance of equality and inclusion in football.
Players and officials from clubs including Hull City, Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham among others, wore Kick It Out merchandise such as t-shirts and stickers to show their support for #EqualityInspires.
The educational programme was launched by Kick It Out and the Premier League at the beginning of 2015/16 campaign, following a successful pilot scheme the season before.
Since its launch, over 80 educational workshops around discrimination have been delivered to players from Under-11s to Under-23s, as well as academy staff and parents or carers of the players.
Troy Townsend, Kick It Out’s Education and Development Manager, who leads on the delivery of #EqualityInspires, was delighted that those involved in Premier League Academy football were able to come together over the weekend and recognise the hard work which has been done so far.
He said: “The support across Premier League clubs was once again invaluable, and it’s a great opportunity for Kick It Out and the Premier League to showcase the good work taking place across the country.
“The Equality Inspires programme is so much more than just weekend though. I truly believe the education work with players, parents and staff is of huge benefit to all concerned and is having a positive impact on young players and making football more inclusive.”
You can see more from the Academy Awareness Weekend in our Twitter Moment below:
Kick It Out and Premier League Academies celebrate #EqualityInspires