The European Football for Development Network (EFDN), Chelsea FC Foundation, SV Werder Bremen, Inter Campus, Club Brugge Foundation, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Fundacao Benfica and Rangers Charity Foundation have united to celebrate the launch of a new initiative to tackle racism.
The latest ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ (SRTRC) initiative was launched at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday, and attended by SRTRC and football club representatives from across Europe.
The 24-month programme aims to use the high-profile status of football to help tackle racism and other forms of discrimination in Europe’s stadiums, as well as society.
‘STRONGER’ TOGETHER
In light of the recent racist incidents on European football pitches, the latest SRTRC initiative demonstrates that “if we stand together, racism can be fought against, and together we will stand stronger,” stated Claudia Kreileman, Campaign Manager of SRTRC The Netherlands. “Especially with the current racism incidents in football, it is necessary that we express that this does not belong in stadiums and that football should be a game for all.”
According to Kreileman, “The power of this programme comes from the eight very different football foundations located throughout Europe, which are uniting to promote diversity.”
The initiative aims to raise awareness of diversity, foster social cohesion and reduce physical and verbal violence linked to racism both on and off the football pitch by educating the public on the importance of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in a variety of ways, from social media to video campaigns (see below).
‘POWERFUL’ PROGRAMME
Commenting on the initiative, Rangers Charity Foundation Director, Connal Cochrane, added: “We were pleased to welcome all programme partners to Ibrox this week, for the beginning of what will hopefully become a very powerful initiative across Europe. We look forward to working with our peers and Show Racism the Red Card to further enhance this important work.”
The Rangers Foundation is committed to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion throughout its community work, added Cochrane. Last season, it launched two new projects – Diversity Wins and Autism Friendly-Football, as well initiatives, such as the club’s ‘Everyone Anyone’ campaign.
EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE
The ‘Everyone Anyone’ campaign aims to unite people from all backgrounds, cultures and communities, and promotes Rangers FC as a ‘modern football club through which fans can come together and support a common cause – equality for everyone’.
Earlier this month, the Rangers Charity Foundation also picked up the ‘Diversity in Sport’ Award at the Herald and GenAnalytics Diversity Awards in Glasgow, in recognition of its work to make sport accessible to everyone and educate future generations on D&I.
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