Kick It Out visits UEL to speak to Sports Journalism students

Thursday 5 Feb 2015
Back to news >

Kick It Out visited the University of East London (UEL) at its Docklands Campus on Monday 2 February for a one-day conference on discrimination issues within football and society.

Part of the Kick It Out’s Education Programme, staff from our organisation and the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) delivered a workshop to Sports Journalism students and took part in a panel discussion focused on discrimination in the game.

Hayley Bennett, Kick It Out’s Education Officer, spoke to the students on issues of racism and sexism, while Anwar Uddin, the FSF’s Diversity and Campaigns Manager, explained in detail the lack of Asian participation in the sport and what the ‘Fans for Diversity’ initiative is doing to make football inclusive for all fans.

Students were also asked to complete a series of activities linked to their course with the focus on delivering the organisation’s key messages of equality and inclusion through their journalistic skills.

The afternoon saw the students move to the UEL Sports Dock for a panel discussion on football supporters and the modern game. Hayley and Anwar were joined on the panel by Danny Lynch, The FA’s Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination PR officer, and Rodney Hinds, Sports Editor of the Voice.

Discussion topics included prices of match-day tickets and the challenges of tackling discriminatory abuse in football stadiums across all levels of the game.

Carrie Dunn, acting programme officer for the Sports Journalism course, spoke after the conference had concluded. “The morning session was both challenging and engaging, with activities that drew from real-life and appealed to the students,” she said.

“The afternoon saw an interesting debate on a manner of subjects that are hot topic points amongst supporters currently and the students seemed to be receptive to the thoughts and opinions of the panel.”

Hayley was pleased with how the conference ran and the input of the students. She commented: “The workshop was a great success with the students engaged throughout the presentation and activities.

“In particular the activities were carried out well by the students and I was very impressed with their understanding. UEL were fantastic hosts for the one-day conference and I hope we can work with them soon on more engaging projects.”

To find out more about Kick It Out’s Education Programme click here.

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