WIGAN ATHLETIC COMMUNITY TRUST HOSTS SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD WORKSHOPS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

WIGAN ATHLETIC COMMUNITY TRUST HOSTS SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD WORKSHOPS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Last month, Wigan Athletic Community Trust welcomed Show Racism the Red Card to deliver a variety of workshops to primary and secondary school students engaging in the Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires programmes at the DW Stadium.

In total, over 100 students engaged in the workshops, which covered a variety of topics, including the dangers of stereotyping, how to identify and report a hate crime and what can be done to prevent discrimination throughout society.  

Students also enjoyed a tour of the DW Stadium, and the secondary school students were joined by Latics defenders Sean Clare and Omar Rekik, who took part in a Q&A and spoke about their own experiences of racism and discrimination during their careers.

SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD

Leading the workshops was Show Racism the Red Card campaign officer, Seth Ejukwu, who spoke about the importance of the workshops and the impact on students, saying:

“It’s always brilliant when we come here (to Wigan Athletic Community Trust). It’s not just the workshops but the Community Trust and the impact and the way they manage these events.

“We saw the students coming up with some brilliant ideas like setting up anti-racism assemblies, workshops, setting up anti-racism/anti-discrimination clubs, so many brilliant ideas from the students.

“Every year, we have one (event), but this year we had two, and I hope this partnership continues to grow and we can have more events together and reach out to more young people and impact our society in a positive way.”

Latics defender Sean Clare also spoke about his experience supporting the workshop and talking to the students, saying:

“We came here to answer a few questions, give our experiences and put a face onto some of the situations that they’ve been through today.

“I think it’s important. Sometimes, when you’re just looking at things on a screen, you can lose that humanity to it. So me and Omar (Rekik) coming in and giving our thoughts and experiences helps.

“As much as we’re footballers, we’re also human beings, and I think it’s a good way to start, and hopefully they (the students) go and express what they’ve learned to their friends and families and take the right path.”

Show Racism the Red Card

In collaboration with network members Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Chelsea FC Foundation, Club Brugge Foundation, Inter Campus, Rangers Charity Foundation, PFC Ludogorets , Fundacao Benfica, SV Werder Bremen, and project partner Geef Racisme de Rode Kaart, EFDN delivers the Show Racism the Red Card programme.

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is a 24-month anti-racism and anti-discrimination programme which is based on the proven concept of the Red Card Campaign delivered in several European countries. SRtRC 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. 

Learn more about it here.