UK launches youth-led United Against Racism movement

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation has announced the launch of a new youth-led ‘United Against Racism’ (UAR) social action programme to help tackle inequality and racism in the UK.

With partners across sport, music, culture, e-sports and business, the UAR programme aims to deliver the momentum for change seen in communities, spearheaded by recent global events. Its goal is to “change the narrative around racism, inspire the youth voice, and connect communities and empower change”, said the Foundation.

A host of high profile partners – including Sky, Music Against Racism, UEFA Foundation, LDN United, the Professional Footballers Association, Phoenix Sports Media Group, New Era and the Black Police Association – have already committed to UAR’s goals and will be delivering the programme with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation throughout the year. This will include a series of youth and community programmes across the UK and Ireland, e-sports tournaments, podcasts and high profile regional events led by youth ambassadors.

TACKLING RACISM & INEQUALITY

Fronting the year-long programme, alongside its three Youth Ambassadors Poppy from Salford, Tyra from London and Leo from Belfast, are the Foundation’s patron and Founder Rio Ferdinand; Music Ambassador Heather Small; and Arts Ambassador and actor Colin Salmon. 

Set up by Rio Ferdinand in 2012, the Foundation addresses issues of inequality that Rio had experienced in his own life, growing up in South London’s Peckham. The English former professional footballer who played as a centre-back, is now a television pundit for BT Sport. As well as playing 81 times for the England national team between 1997 and 2011, he was a member of three FIFA World Cup squads. He set up the Foundation to support and empower young people from working class communities; tackle racism and inequality; and provide opportunities to deliver social mobility.

Alongside Ferdinand, 70% of its leadership board are from Caribbean and African communities and all of its trustees and staff have lived experience of at least some of the issues the Foundation is tackling. Since 2012, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation has worked hard to dispel limiting beliefs in society. Now working in communities across the UK and Ireland, with regional hubs in London, Manchester and Belfast, it has supported over 10,000 young people to tackle the inequality they face in their lives and realise their full potential.