Today marks the start of one of the largest campaigns in football as big names pledge their support to the One Game, One Community weeks of action.
The initiative signals the start of a 12 day period of nationwide activities to celebrate diversity and form a united stand against discrimination.
England boss, Fabio Capello, gave his support saying "The One Game, One Community weeks of action, for me, epitomise all that is good about football. Diversity, inclusion, harmony and respect. Our ability to break boundaries should never be underestimated."
The initiative will see over 1000 events focused on celebrating diversity and encouraging inclusion. Activities will include fans inside and outside football stadiums, player appearances, grassroots clubs, community groups and schools.
Topics such as homophobia in football, the lack of British Asian professionals in the game, and a celebration of physically disabled supporters at stadiums will all be tackled by the campaign in a mixture of panel discussions and debates, using some of footballs biggest names from the past and present.
Paul Ince, who made history this season by becoming the Premier League’s first British born black manager, said "Being part of the weeks of action is an honour for me. Kick It Out has been pivotal in fighting discrimination in the English game."
All 92 League clubs in England and Wales will be coordinating their own day of action and will be joined by hundreds of local initiatives from all corners of the country in a symbolic stand for diversity.
Lord Herman Ouseley, Chairman of Kick It Out, said “The weeks of action are an opportunity to highlight the work that we and our partners are involved in year round at every level of the game. It’s a time to celebrate the diversity football offers by joining in the range and breadth of both community and club level events that are taking place.”
To attend or get involved in any of the key events during the One Game, One Community weeks of action, please contact Kick It Out on 020 7684 4884 or info@kickitout.org
