Local Schools Unite to Show Racism the Red Card
Brentford FC Community Sports Trust opened the doors to their new Community Stadium Hub on Thursday 20 October to host Show Racism the Red Card workshop for local school children.
During the day students from six local primary schools participated in an educational workshop led by Show Racism the Red Card before enjoying a tour of the Gtech Community Stadium.
The day culminated with a panel Q&A which was facilitated and hosted by Brentford FC Non-Executive Director Deji Davies.
The panel included former England striker Eni Aluko, ex-Brentford FC player and now club ambassador Marcus Gayle, and Lorna Falconer who is Head of Football Operations at Brentford FC.
Students had the opportunity to quiz the panel on a range of subjects whilst also hearing personal accounts of racial prejudice that some of the panelists had encountered themselves growing up.
“I think it’s important for events like today so that kids can normalise the conversation around diversity, inclusion and race. To see different types of people on the panel here today all sharing our experiences and engaging in conversation helps to remove any uncomfortable feeling talking about race or black history.
Football is really great to the extent that you do see so many different types of people on the pitch playing. With regards to racist incidents on or off the pitch I think it’s more about what’s being done to ensure people understand that it isn’t acceptable. For me the punishments around racism have to be strong and we need to instill the confidence that if someone does report an incident that something will be done about it.”
Eni Aluko, former England and Chelsea striker and current Sporting Director at Angel City FC
“Today I learnt that many different types of people can be racist. I also found out that people can be judged on their nationality, culture or religion and that racism isn’t just about how you look or your skin colour.”
Wafaa from Rabbsfarm Primary School, One of the students attending
