Kick It Out and Premier League Academies unite to celebrate #EqualityInspires

Monday 24 Oct 2016
Back to news >

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:

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"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

Archives

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010