Six of the best as ‘Season of Action’ boosted by bumper weekend

Friday 31 Jan 2014
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Premier League, Championship and League One clubs all play host to ‘Season of Action’ fixtures this weekend as teams from across the country step up their support for Kick It Out.

Six games have been nominated with five ‘Next 20’ ambassadors involved in what promises to be an exciting round of dedicated matches for the campaign.

In the Premier League, Fulham play host to Southampton. The game will see players from both teams, accompanied by player escorts, wearing special Kick It Out t-shirts marking the campaign’s 20 year anniversary at Craven Cottage.

The featured game in the Championship sees Midlands rivals go head-to-head as Birmingham City face Derby County. ‘Next 20’ ambassador Andre Wisdom will hope to feature for the Rams as they continue their push for promotion.

In League One, four matches have been declared as ‘Season of Action’ clashes. Gillingham entertain Port Vale with ‘Next 20’ ambassador Michael Harriman representing the campaign for the Gills. Prior to the match, there will be a presentation to the winners of the club’s ‘Kick It Out’ t-shirt competition for local schools.

Coventry City will continue to display their strong support for Kick It Out as they welcome Walsall to Sixfields Stadium as ‘Next 20’ star Romaine Sawyers travels with the Saddlers. Sky Blues striker Callum Wilson, another ‘Next 20’ ambassador, is sadly ruled out through injury.

Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire, a leading ‘Next 20’ campaigner, will be involved in a ‘Season of Action’ fixture as the Blades travel to Crewe Alexandra who will be promoting the Kick It Out’s work.

Finally rounding off the weekend fixtures, MK Dons host Tranmere, with winger Daniel Powell looking to make his mark for the Dons at stadiummk in their nominated ‘Season of Action’ game.

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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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