#KitEmOut to be decided on 24 June

Friday 19 Jun 2015
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Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, will conclude their #KitEmOut competition for schools at a prize-giving ceremony in the National Football Museum in Manchester on 24 June.

5-18 year olds have been challenged by the organisation to design their own kit which reflects the identity of their team. The winning kit will be produced by Spall for their team to proudly wear and has a Kick It Out logo on the front of the jerseys.

The competition was split into five age bands, with prizes being given to runners-up and winners in each category. Hundreds of entries have been sent from around the country, the majority of which have made life very difficult for the judges.

The panel consists of Jim Lusted, Chair of Kick It Out’s Grassroots Guidance Group, Denise Lambert from the National Football Museum, and Carl Lygo of sponsors BPP University, whose logo will also feature on the winning kit design.

The event starts from 12 noon on 24 June, giving attendees a chance to explore the museum before a performance by the Every Colour choir starts proceedings. The National Football Museum’s learning zone will deliver a free workshop to participants about the historic venue before the prizes are presented to the winners.

Joining Kick It Out on the day will be Bethany England and Jay Spearing. Bethany plays as a winger for Doncaster Belles and combines her playing career with law studies at BPP University. She has represented England at Under 19 and 23 levels.

Midfielder Jay spent some of last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers from his parent club Bolton Wanderers. The 26-year-old has played over 100 professional games after starting his career at Liverpool. Both players will be presenting the winning entries with their prizes.

Hayley Bennett, Kick It Out Education Officer said: “We wanted young people to show off their creativity in a way that gives them a permanent reminder of their work. We hope the winning team wears their new kit with pride, and they think of us as they advance throughout their career.

“Entrants were not just asked for their designs, but were asked about what inclusion means to them and how their kit will promote equality. Every entry had a different answer which showed not just their imagination, but the plurality of ideas that exists among young people.

“The event will showcase how young people across the country believe football can bring people together, and that is something that Kick It Out and BPP University aims to celebrate in everything we do.”

Carl Lygo, Vice Chancellor of BPP University, said: “It has been a privilege to be part of such a fantastic Kick It Out competition and to have our logo on the winning kit. The level of creativity on show from the hundreds of kit designs we saw was outstanding and entrants should be very proud of themselves. At BPP University, we take pride in everything that we do and inclusion is a massive part of what we’re about. I’m sure the winning team will no doubt wear their kit with pride.”

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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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