Kick It Out enjoy Equality Inspires visit to Liverpool Football Club Academy

Tuesday 19 Sep 2017
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Liverpool Football Club welcomed Kick It Out last week as the organisation visited the club’s Academy to deliver a special workshop based around homophobia to their Under-18’s squad. 

Steven Gerrard’s Under-18 side watched a short film called ‘Wonderkid’, which focuses on a gay footballer, his personal life, mindset and the challenges he faces in the game.

After watching the film, the players enjoyed a healthy debate with Kick It Out Education Manager Troy Townsend, Kick It Out tutor Marcus Gayle and the director of the film, Rhys Chapman, on issues of homophobia in football.

Kick It Out has worked closely with Liverpool for a number of years to promotes its message of equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination through the Academy programme.

Kick It Out Education Manager Troy Townsend said: “The Equality Inspires programme is having a significant impact within the Academy environment and Liverpool as a football club continue to see the value and impact it has on its players.

“The Wonderkid film is a great educational tool for players to challenge some of  their own preconceived thoughts about a gay player within their environment. The impact of the film enables the kind of group discussions unheard of within a changing room and the hope is that the positive conversations can continue long after the workshops have finished.

“Full credit must go to the players for engaging in discussions that can still be seen as quite uncomfortable but are certainly invaluable if football is to continue to break down its own stigma around homophobia.”

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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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