EFDN is nominated for the 2023 International Sports Awards with Show Racism the Red Card project!

EFDN is nominated for the 2023 International Sports Awards with Show Racism the Red Card project!

We are delighted to announce that EFDN is shortlisted for the 2023 International Sports Awards in the category – Diversity and Inclusion Award, hosted by the International Sports Convention. We are nominated with our Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) project, which we deliver in partnership with more than 100 professional football clubs and their foundations such as Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Chelsea FC Foundation, Club Brugge Foundation, Inter Campus, Rangers Charity Foundation, Fundação Benfica, SV Werder Bremen, and the Dutch SRtRC foundation ‘Geef Racisme de Rode Kaart’.

The Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) project is a unique anti-racism and anti-discrimination programme; that promotes understanding, unity, and transformation. The multifaceted initiative tackled discrimination head-on through an innovative approach, led by the European Football for Development Network and delivered in partnership with professional football clubs and their foundations. Through it’s innovative and unique campaigns, transnational partnerships, and transformative education curriculum, the project was able to positively contribute to creating a world that shows racism the red card and a world where diversity truly wins.

The project encompassed 2 key delivery strands designed to make a lasting difference in our society. Firstly, the Red Card Campaign, distributed Red Cards in 27 languages to professional and grassroots clubs across Europe, becoming a powerful symbol of resistance against racism. Players, coaches, and clubs used their voices and took a stand through photos and videos with the Red Card. A remarkable 222 grassroots clubs participated in this campaign, involving over 15,000 players and coaches. This was amplified further through the far-reaching social media networks of our partner clubs, which enabled the campaign to reach a staggering 5 million people.

Secondly, SRtRC goes beyond only raising awareness; but also provides much a needed education component – #DiversityWins. The educational programme was developed to address racism and various forms of discrimination that persist in our society. It provides invaluable insights into what racism and discrimination truly are, their origins, and the profound impact they have on individuals and communities. In a comprehensive approach, it also tackles other forms of discrimination, from gender and religion to sexual orientation and gender identity. The project reached over 12,000 participants in schools, empowering them with knowledge and understanding. Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive future.