Players and parents at Watford learn more about equality ahead of Academy Awareness Weekend

Friday 21 Oct 2016
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Premier League club Watford welcomed Kick It Out on Wednesday 19 October as the Hornets’ Under-16 squad and parents learned about the importance of inclusion in football through the Equality Inspires programme.

The sessions took place ahead of the Academy Awareness Weekend, starting today (21 October), which will see clubs involved in the Premier League Academy structure join together to celebrate the game’s inclusive environment and show their support for the programme.

Troy Townsend, Education and Development Manager at Kick It Out, was joined by former Hornet Marcus Gayle at Vicarage Road for the two sessions as they discussed the key issues in supporting equality in the game.

In an engaging first session, the young players from the Under-16 squad were asked to debate a number of scenarios which could happen in the changing room or pitch environment.

Both Troy and Marcus probed on a number of issues as well as sharing their own experiences within football. The importance of understanding protected characteristics, including race and sexual orientation, was also explained.

Following the Under-16s, the parents of Academy players at Watford joined Troy and Marcus to find out more about how their behavior in the football environment can impact on their child.

Troy, who is the father of Crystal Palace and England star Andros, invited the audience to share their experiences of how they deal with the highs and lows of their child’s career in the game.

Martyn Heather, Head of Education at Premier League, was in attendance and spoke to the parents about the League’s work alongside Kick It Out and the need to provide greater development for Academy players away from the field of play.

After the session, Troy reflected on another positive workshop ahead the weekend’s activities. He said: “Ahead of such an important weekend for Kick It Out and the Premier League it was good to visit Watford FC and showcase the essential work that is being delivered within the Academy environment.

“The importance of the programme in not only developing understanding of equality and inclusion in the game, but also creating well-rounded individuals who can help play their role in a cohesive society, was clear to see.

“The club has been fantastic in their support for the Equality Inspires programme, and judging by the young players in attendance, they put a lot of time and effort into teaching their Academy prospects the right methods to approach and combat discrimination.”

Martyn also spoke after the sessions on the importance of the programme. “I thought tonight was excellent,” Martyn said.

“I think some of the team’s responses were fantastic and I think it shows how far we are coming with young players. If we did this session five or 10 years ago, you would have never had the kind of maturity that was displayed during the discussion with Troy and Marcus.

“I believe the parents’ session was equally as important as well because if we want to educate these young players, we have to educate parents as well.

“The Equality Inspires programme is a critical partnership between the Premier League and Kick It Out and the idea behind the Academy Awareness Weekend is to highlight the great work that both organisations are doing.”

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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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