'Next 20' star Jack Butland stops by Stoke YMCA for Kick It Out workshop
Stoke City and England goalkeeper Jack Butland undertook his role as one of Kick It Out’s ‘Next 20’ ambassador for the second time in 2015 as he visited Stoke YMCA for a workshop on discrimination.
In March, Jack helped the organisation deliver to students at Stoke-On-Trent College and was once again on hand on Thursday (26 November) to help Kick It Out.
The Potters’ Stopper spoke to people associated with the better futures project as he answered questions on discrimination in society and football as well handing out advice to budding goalkeepers in the audience.
The event began with Paul Mortimer, Kick It Out’s Professional Players Engagement Manager, delivering a workshop to the attendees from the Brighter Futures project. Paul asked the audience about race and the effects of discrimination based on skin colour.
The workshop, including Jack, went on to talk about sexism and the audience discussed how they would treat men and women referees. To complete the session at Stoke YMCA, Jack joined Paul at the front as the audience were invited to ask questions on the workshop.
After the session had concluded Jack said: “It was a vocal audience at the event today, which is good because one way to educate people is if they get involved and show an interest in the session.
“Paul is great at getting people to understand the issues surrounding discrimination and getting the best out of the people involved, so it made for a really good workshop.
“It’s very important to me to be a part of Kick It Out’s ‘Next 20’ initiative. 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.”
Paul was pleased that another ‘Next 20’ ambassador had given his time to support Kick It Out.
“My work with the players is important for their understanding on issues of discrimination but it’s also vital people like Jack get that message out across as well.
“The session at Stoke YMCA was great as the audience helped contribute to a engaging debate about issues which they were not entirely comfortable with.
“That’s why it’s essential that Kick It Out goes across the country to communicate and educate people from all backgrounds on the importance of equality and inclusion, and the ‘Next 20’ initiative certainly helps that.”