Davit and Barnsley International Football Club
Davit Khutsishvili is a former Georgian Professional Footballer and is a qualified coach.
Having left Georgia after his playing career finished he came to Barnsley where he is now the General Manager and founder of Barnsley International Football Club.
We caught up with Davit...
Who are Barnsley international Football Club?
Barnsley International Football Club aims to primarily educate young people about racism and the consequences.
It is also about the integration of cultures. We try to reach out and give wider choices for young people in Barnsley - whatever their background or culture.
We are effectively breaking down barriers and involving youngsters in multicultural competitions where they will be mixing and learning about other cultures through the game.
Who are you working with?
We are working with everyone that comes to us, and believe me the numbers are growing all the time. We have a very good reputation now.
Our club is a good example of how football brings people together as we have players coming from Russia, Poland, India, Nigeria, Algeria, Iraq and English backgrounds.
Some of the youngsters have a refugee background, but I hate to label people refugee, after all we are all people.
Young people of all ages are coming to the club. Unfortunately our facilities are quite stretched to accommodate so many people but we never turn anyone away. We find a way to make sure everyone can be part of the club.
So how come you set up the club?
I feel passionately that we are all the same. Some people learn prejudice from others I use the club to teach equality.
I'm disturbed by all the problems in the world where people are put down because of their background. We all have a responsibility to address these issues.
When I became a Community Champion not so long ago I was very proud.
However, despite winning this award and many others for my work in the community I still have problems with my application for political asylum. Having won these awards I find it hard to understand why I am not welcomed here.
I don't want lots of money, I don't want people to know my name, all I want is to make things a little better for people growing up.
How have Kick It Out helped you?
I've been working with Kick It Out for 5 years and they have been there and helped me every step of the way 100%.
I can always pick up the phone or drop in on them if I need advice and they have managed to support my activities by providing resources.
I've developed some good ideas with the help of Kick It Out and I'm looking forward to continuing my work to spread the message.
So, what's next for Barnsley International FC?
Well, I've just got my level 2 coaching badge to formalise the coaching skills I already have and the first team had a great season finishing third. So I think we are looking on the pitch.
However, there is a lot of developmental work we can do to ensure that we can provide young people with the access to the facilities they deserve.
With better facilities we can work with even more young people and develop the talent they have.
The children are the future we need to take care of them to make the future a bright one for us all.
For further information on Barnsley International Football Club check out - www.bifc2004.org.uk
