EFDN and Fare Network Join Forces To Promote Diversity

EFDN and Fare Network Join Forces To Promote Diversity

Today, 8 October, is the Morethanfootball Action Weeks day dedicated to anti-racism and anti-discrimination. The European Football for Development Network (EFDN) is supporting campaign partner Fare and its #FootballPeople Action Weeks. The two-week campaign unites supporters, clubs, players, minority groups and communities affected by discrimination to stand for equality and inclusion. This year’s Football People Weeks will take place from the 8th to 22nd October 2020.

The #FootballPeople Action Weeks promote change and diversity in global football. During the two-week period, over 150,000 people in more than 50 countries organise and participate in events and activities to bring about social change. The campaign is open to everyone regardless of who you are or what your role in football is. Supporters, players, clubs, ethnic minorities, LGBT groups, women’s groups, activists, schools and NGOs can all take an active role. 

EFDN implements several programmes that focus on the issues of discrimination and racism and how to tackle both. These include but are not limited to:

Show Racism the Red Card – it is a 24-month anti-racism and anti-discrimination programme which utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The project aims to raise awareness of diversity, foster social cohesion, and reduce physical and verbal violence linked to racism. It includes the education of young people and adults in schools, workplaces and at events held in football stadiums.

Welcome Through Football – uses a methodology that fosters the social inclusion and employability of young newly arrived immigrants and refugees. Activities promote the quality of youth work, the intercultural dialogue and strengthen knowledge and acceptance of diversity in society. Moreover, the project assists football coaches and youth workers in the development and sharing of effective methods in reaching out to the marginalised target group, in preventing racism and intolerance.

Community Champions League – is a social street football competition where participating teams win more points through Fair-Play, Fair Support and Volunteering in community activities than by winning their street football matches. With the aim of promoting social integration through sport, it provides the opportunity for people from different cultures to come together to build relationships and friendships while breaking down barriers through the prevention of violence, racism and intolerance in grassroots sports and their communities.

Information for football associations.

Information for clubs and leagues.

#FootballPeople Weeks campaign resources.

There is no limit as to what you can do as long as your activity relates to football and aims to bring about a positive change. These are a few ideas and suggested activities: 

• Football events to welcome refugees and asylum seekers 
• Events against homophobia 
• Workshops on women’s football 
• Match day choreographies 
• Exhibitions celebrating the diversity of the fans, players or history of your club 
• Work with minority groups on joint projects 
• Panel discussions
• Invite local minority groups to a game 
• Podcasts and videos (you can even use your mobile phone to record) 
• Involve your club, (ex) players, other fans and local communities