Shropshire marks Kick It Out Focus Week (30 October to 5 November 2017)

The Shropshire FA, Shropshire Council and a number of local sports groups in Shropshire once again teamed up for a ‘Focus Week’ (30 October to 5 November 2017) to raise awareness of the Kick It Out campaign.

Shropshire’s Kick It Out Focus Week ran from 30 October to 5 November 2017. Pictured from left to right: Sean McCarthy, Roy Waterfield, Eve Baily, Joyce Barrow and Mathew Mead.

Kick It Out is football’s equality and inclusion campaign against discrimination and unacceptable behaviour, and works towards making football accessible and enjoyable at all levels, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or disability.

The Focus Week saw Shropshire FA and Shropshire Council working in partnership with Shrewsbury Town FC, AFC Telford TNS and local coaching providers from across Shropshire, with the aim of tackling racism and discrimination through football in schools across Shropshire.

Kick it Out Focus Week started on Monday 30 October in schools all over Shropshire and, as well as receiving practical football coaching, children also received a talk on racism and discrimination. Grassroots leagues and clubs across the county also supported and promoted the campaign during their weekend fixtures.

Eve Bailey, Shropshire FA football development officer, said:

“Kick It Out is a great initiative, and for the past four years we have been working with Shropshire Council to deliver the message of inclusion and anti–discrimination. This year, we aimed to reach more schools than ever with the support of our local sports providers.”

Councillor Joyce Barrow, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, said:

“I am very pleased to be involved in Shropshire’s Kick It Out Focus Week.  A lot of good work has gone on for a number of years, with equality and inclusion.  This focus week highlights the issues around racism and discrimination, helping to erase a very unhealthy part of the sport and making football a safe and happy environment for all concerned.”

Tuesday 24 October also saw the annual Shropshire Kick It Out Cup taking place at Shrewsbury Sports Village. The tournament saw sides from organisations across Shrewsbury compete for the Kick it Out Cup. With the emphasis of the tournament on fun, football and anti-discrimination, rather than football skills and ability!

Find out more

For more information on Kick It Out visit www.kickitout.org or for information on Shropshire FA’s equality and diversity programmes contact Eve Bailey on 01743 362769 or eve.bailey@shropshirefa.com