Diversity and Inclusion plays a crucial part in Brentford community

Diversity and Inclusion plays a crucial part in Brentford community

The launch of the new Cruyff Court at Brentford Towers saw our member promote our partnered programme Show Racism the Red Card. Brentford FC Community Sports Trust joined the European Football Development Network (EFDN) in 2018. Since 2019, they have been delivering the Show Racism the Red Card partner, in partnership with other European Football Clubs, focused in promoting diversity and inclusion through the power of football to hundreds of participants across the local area and within grassroots clubs.

For over 30 years Brentford have been delivering free-community-based sessions at Brentford Towers, engaging with participants from all ages and walks of life through multi-sports sessions. Together with Hounslow Council and Cruyff Foundation, the new Cruyff Court was launched two weeks ago, providing a state-of-the-art sports facility, which will encourage more young people and adults to engage in our weekly sessions.

Programmes such as the Show Racism the Red Card are a strong tool to promote and pass on key Diversity and Inclusion focused themes and topics to young people, helping to educate the next generation and inspire communities to respect one another.

The launch featured a football festival for over 60 participants, face painting, food and drink, a local steel band and a talent competition with the winner receiving a Brentford FC shirt signed by all the players. Marcus Gayle a former player and ambassador for diversity and inclusion at Brentford FC gave us his thoughts on the new facility “it will be a safe space for young people to enjoy themselves, have fun and create special bonds”.

Tomas Abreu, Show Racism the Red Card programme lead said: “Since 2019 we have worked with over 8 local primary schools by delivering a 6-week programme to young people from school years 3 and 6. The programme combines physical activity with classed based Diversity and Inclusion topics, providing further opportunities for young people to stay active and to take part in organised sports sessions and to learn about different D&I topics. Additionally, community events as the Cruyff Court launch help celebrating sport and D&I, which is a crucial topic to pass on to younger generations.”