Vale youngsters show racism the red card
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has teamed up with the
charity 'Show Racism the Red Card' to put on a series of football
themed anti-racism workshops – the first of their kind to be held
in Wales.
Young people from across the Vale attended the workshops in
secondary schools and youth centres. 'Show Racism the Red Card' was
established in January 1996 with the aim of using professional
footballers as anti-racist role models.
The purpose of
their campaign is to combat racism through education, and
professional footballers are leading the way in terms of making a
stand and fighting racism.
The workshops were delivered by former Fulham, QPR, West Ham and
Bristol City player Leroy Rosenior, who is one of only a few black
players to have gone on to manage in the game.
Leroy also works extensively in the media and has spoken openly
about the racism that he experienced as a player and a manager in
football, and about his belief that there is a 'glass ceiling'
holding back qualified black coaches from getting the top
jobs.
Each workshop
lasted an hour, where Leroy told the young people of his own and
other players’ personal histories and their experiences with
racism. This included a short film that featured among others
campaign supporters such as Thierry Henry, Rio Ferdinand, Gary
Lineker, Ashley Cole, and Joe Cole, giving advice to the audience
on what to do if they experienced racism themselves. Following the
workshops, the young people took to the field for a training
session and kick-about, with the emphasis on having fun.
Pictured: Youngsters taking part in one the
'Show Racism the Red Card' workshops, led by ex-professional
footballer Leroy Rosenior, at the Holm View Leisure Centre in
Barry.
02/07/2008